* This is a guest post provided by Sutliff & Stout, PLLC.
Hydroplaning, also known as aquaplaning, is a dangerous driving condition that occurs when one or more tires on a vehicle build a layer of water underneath them. This leads to a loss of traction as the tire is no longer in contact with the road surface. A vehicle that is hydroplaning will have little or no control, making this an extremely dangerous state for a driver to be in and the situation could result in a personal injury claim because some serious injuries have been caused. However, with a little preparation and knowledge, it’s possible to prevent hydroplaning by having the correct equipment and technique. Below are some road safety tips to follow provided by www.sutliffstout.com.
Be aware of your road surface
There are a number of factors that can lead to pooling water on a road. For example, extended use by heavy vehicles can lead to ruts in a roadway. These ruts prevent adequate drainage and during rain they can cause water to pool on the surface of the road. If you notice standing water on the road, it’s important to slow down and avoid the pools if possible.
Make sure you have the right tires
The grooves in a rubber tire dissipate water by pushing it out from underneath the tire, allowing friction even in wet conditions. Hydroplaning occurs when the tire encounters more water than it can dissipate. Having a tire with adequate tread is one of the most vital ways to prevent hydroplaning. A tire with a tread that is worn down will hydroplane at lower speeds due to the lack of water dissipation. Tire pressure is another important factor. An underinflated tire can have a tendency to deflect inward, pulling the center of the tire away from the road surface and preventing the tire from clearing water. This could often result in a road accident that may or may not involve another vehicle or a person. In the case that your vehicle does get into a situation such as this, you might want to get in touch with professionals such as Car Accident Attorneys in Houston or somewhere in your vicinity, to get a measure of your situation and the legal procedures that might follow.
Know your vehicle
A heavier vehicle with properly inflated tires will be more resistant to hydroplaning. In general, tires that are narrower are better at avoiding hydroplaning due to their thinner contact patch with the road surface. There is increased risk in vehicles with uneven weight distribution, such as trucks or SUVs that are towing a trailer. Motorcycles typically fare better due to their thinner tires, but they are at greater risk if a slide occurs on the wet roadway. If you get into difficulty on the roads and cause an accident, you may need to consult with a lawyer from a professional law firm to assist you to win your case.
Drive defensively
Along with having tires that are in good condition, this is the other vital piece to driving safely in rainy weather. The first thing to keep in mind is that hydroplaning occurs partly due to excessive speed on standing water. If you notice that there is pooling water on your roadway, slow down. If a hydroplane occurs, you may feel that your car becomes “loose” and does not respond to control inputs. If the vehicle is not in a turn, let off the accelerator. Traction may be regained when the vehicle has slowed enough. Be prepared for a possible jerk as the car regains traction in the direction the wheel is pointed. If you hydroplane in a turn, the car will continue to drift to the outside of the bend. If braking becomes necessary, make sure to do so in a controlled, smooth manner. Hydroplaning is a scary and risky situation. However, it can be avoided altogether with proper equipment, and a safe driving mindset.
*Sutliff & Stout, PLLC is a personal injury law firm located in Austin and Houston, Texas. For more information on this subject, connect with Sutliff & Stout, PLLC on Facebook and Google+.