If your vehicle begins to hydroplane while driving on a wet highway, in what correct sequential order should you perform the following actions to regain control?
- 1Smoothly ease your foot off the accelerator pedal without applying the brakes.
- 2Hold the steering wheel firmly while keeping the front tires aligned straight ahead.
- 3Wait until the tires cut through the water layer and regain traction with the pavement.
- 4Make small, gradual steering corrections toward your intended path of travel.
Answer
The correct sequential order to recover from hydroplaning is: 1) Smoothly ease your foot off the accelerator pedal without applying the brakes; 2) Hold the steering wheel firmly while keeping the front tires aligned straight ahead; 3) Wait until the tires cut through the water layer and regain traction with the pavement; 4) Make small, gradual steering corrections toward your intended path of travel.
When experiencing hydroplaning, the safest initial action is to decelerate naturally by easing off the accelerator while holding the steering wheel straight. Applying brakes or turning the wheel sharply while the vehicle is floating on water causes severe instability when tires recontact the road. Once speed decreases enough for the tires to break through the water and regain traction, gentle steering adjustments can safely guide the vehicle.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Hydroplaning Emergency Recovery Sequence