What should you do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?

When a vehicle hydroplanes, it means that a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road surface, causing a loss of traction. The best response in this situation is to ease off the accelerator and steer straight. This allows the tires to make contact with the road again as the speed decreases, which helps to regain control of the vehicle.

Maintaining a straight steering direction prevents any sudden movements that could lead to skidding or further loss of control. By not sharply braking or turning the wheel, the driver reduces the likelihood of causing the vehicle to spin or flip, which can happen if the vehicle is overcorrected during hydroplaning.

The other strategies could contribute to worsening the situation. Sharply braking could lock the wheels and increase the risk of losing control. Accelerating would further exacerbate the loss of traction, making it harder to regain control. Rapidly turning the steering wheel can lead to oversteering, which can cause a dangerous spin.