Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning Accidents also called aquaplaning or planing are caused when a driver loses steering control because a layer of water on the roadway prevents direct contact between the tires and the road surface. The resulting loss of friction causes the vehicle to lose braking, steering and power to the wheels causing a complete loss of control by the driver. The vehicle skids until it collides with something else or friction between the road and wheels is regained. DefensiveDriving.com’s online driver safety course explains that hydroplaning risks include deep water or heavy rain, speeding, imbalance/overloaded vehicle and poor tire maintenance- worn out or under inflated tires.
Remember when it is wet or raining- slow down!

I suppose Texans should count their blessings in regards to hydroplaning, since March had the lowest rainfall totals ever for Texas and in April they were the fifth driest on record, according to state climatology data. The October-April period marked the driest seven consecutive months on record for Texas going back to 1895, according to the National Climatic Data Center. Please remember to slow down in the rain to avoid hydroplaning!

For more information from our award winning online driver safety course, go to www.DefensiveDriving.com and click on Safe Driver Resources! DefensiveDriving.com’s course is only $25 and can be used for ticket dismissal, and discounts for auto insurance!   Corporate Discounts are available!