Everything You Need To Know About Aquaplaning The Silent Killer On Wet Roads
Driving in heavy rain presents many hidden dangers that every motorist should understand. One of the most terrifying experiences is aquaplaning which happens when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road. This phenomenon essentially turns your vehicle into a boat that is drifting without a rudder. You might notice the steering suddenly feels very light or the engine revs higher without a change in speed. Recognizing these early warning signs is the first step toward staying safe in a storm.
The speed at which you travel is one of the most significant variables in this equation. When moving at sixty miles per hour or faster the tire grooves simply cannot expel the water fast enough. This creates a wedge that lifts the front of the car off the pavement. Without physical contact the vehicle cannot follow the curve of the road or respond to braking. Lowering your speed by just ten miles per hour can drastically reduce the chances of this happening.
Tire tread depth is your primary line of defense against losing control on wet asphalt. New tires typically have deep channels designed specifically to move hundreds of gallons of water every minute. As the rubber wears down these channels become shallow and lose their effectiveness. Driving with bald or worn tires in the rain is incredibly dangerous for everyone on the road. Many safety organizations recommend replacing tires long before they reach the legal minimum limit.
If your car begins to hydroplane the most important rule is to avoid panicking. Many drivers instinctively hit the brakes hard which only makes the situation worse. Slamming the brakes can cause the car to skid uncontrollably once the tires eventually find grip. You should instead keep a firm grip on the steering wheel without making any sudden turns. Slowly easing off the gas pedal will allow the car to slow down naturally until the tires pierce through the water layer.
Pay close attention to the road surface because standing water often accumulates in ruts or lower sections of the highway. These areas are where the risk of losing traction is at its highest point. It is often helpful to follow the tracks of the vehicle directly in front of you. Those tires have already displaced some of the water which gives your car a slightly drier path to follow. Always keep your lights on and maintain a much larger following distance than you would in dry weather.
Understanding the mechanics of how your car interacts with a wet road can prevent serious accidents. Modern vehicles come with various electronic stability programs but they are not a substitute for safe driving habits. Realizing that you are not in total control during heavy rain is a sobering but necessary thought. By maintaining your equipment and adjusting your behavior you can navigate even the worst weather safely.
Please share your experiences with driving in heavy rain in the comments.
