Mark Roman | December 16, 2019 | Car Accidents

Hydroplaning is a dangerous phenomenon that may happen to motorists who drive on wet roads during the rainy season. Learn what causes hydroplaning and what you can do to reduce the chances of it happening to you.

What is Hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when a car’s tires encounter more water than their treads can displace. This leads to a loss of traction between the car’s tires and the road, causing a sudden spinning motion.

If you experience hydroplaning, resist the urge to slam on your brakes. Doing so will cause your car’s tires to lose whatever traction they still had with the pavement, and will make your spin more uncontrollable.

Rather, turn your steering wheel in the direction that the car is spinning. Continue to do so until the car straightens out and you are able to regain control of the vehicle.

How to Reduce Your Chances of Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is not always preventable, particularly in heavy rain. However, there are measures you can take to lower your chances of hydroplaning, including the following:

  • Drive more slowly in rain and snow.
  • When possible, drive in the tire tracks left by other vehicles, as there will be more water displaced in these areas.
  • Try to avoid heading out on the road right as it starts to rain, as the roads get more slippery during this time.

Contact the Clearwater Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Clearwater. We have five convenient locations in Florida: Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442