Why Hydroplaning Is so Dangerous and How You Can Prevent It

Hydroplaning is a term that describes what happens when your car starts to skid or slide across the road. The results of that happening can be dire, as an out of control car is a hazard to its driver and everyone around it. Below, we tell you everything you need to know about this concept including why it happens, what makes it so dangerous, and what you can do to avoid it going forward.



Why Hydroplaning Happens


First, let’s discuss how cars work. When you drive, you rely on the friction between your tires and the road. This force allows you to turn and stop. What happens when the streets are wet is that you lose some or all of that friction. Rather than having your tire on the asphalt, there is a thin layer of water or snow between them, which causes you to spiral out of control. Though tires are built to resist this event from occurring, it often happens anyway. The most dangerous times to drive are when there is ice on the road and in the first ten minutes of rainfall.



What Makes it So Dangerous


The reason hydroplaning is so dangerous is that it leads to the following deadly types of accidents.


    Intersections - If you are driving up to an intersection and see a stop sign or red light, you’ll need to slow down. Unfortunately, you could be hydroplaning and end up skidding into the intersection. This can lead to high-speed collisions and severe injuries.

    Wrong Way Accidents - You also might skid onto the wrong side of the road. These head-on crashes are always damaging and often fatal.

    Jumping Off the Road - Losing control can lead to you jumping off of the road. In a mountainous setting, that can mean going over a steep cliff. In a city, you might hit a light post or person on the sidewalk. Either way, the result will be tragic.




How You Can Avoid it Going Forward


The following are some excellent ways to reduce your chances of hydroplaning.


    Slow down significantly in wet weather to reduce stopping distances and help your tires scatter water more effectively.

    Increase your following distance so you have plenty of room to stop when needed.

    Don’t drive on roads with large puddles or standing water.

    Don’t use your cruise control. Instead, be ready to slow down at any moment.

    Avoid sharp turns and never change direction at high speeds.

    Make sure your tires have enough tread and are inflated to the correct level.




As you now know, hydroplaning is incredibly dangerous and avoiding it is well worth your attention. That being said, accidents can happen no matter how careful you are, whether you are the one hydroplaning or if it is someone else. If you ever experience one of these collisions and come out with an injury, you should speak with a St. Louis car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Doing so will give you an advocate who will fight for you to get as much compensation as possible. Give The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. a call 24/7 for a FREE Legal Advice :: (314) 361-4242