Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardWet Weather and Aquaplaning

You are driving at 60 mph on a national speed limit single carriageway in torrential rain. Ahead, you notice significant surface water pooling across the road. What is the safest and most effective action to take before reaching the pooled water to prevent aquaplaning?

  1. A
    Maintain your current speed if your tyres meet the legal 1.6 mm minimum tread depth, relying on the tread pattern to clear the water.
  2. Check your mirrors and ease off the accelerator in good time to reduce your speed smoothly before reaching the standing water.Answer
  3. C
    Depress the clutch pedal and coast towards the water to eliminate drive torque and prevent wheelspin.
  4. D
    Brake firmly immediately as the front tyres enter the standing water to force the rubber into contact with the road.

Answer

Check your mirrors and ease off the accelerator in good time to reduce your speed smoothly before reaching the standing water.
Aquaplaning occurs when water builds up between the tyre and road surface faster than the tread grooves can disperse it, causing the tyre to ride on a film of water. Checking mirrors and easing off the accelerator in good time allows the car to slow down smoothly before reaching the water, ensuring the tread can effectively evacuate surface water and maintain grip.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the upcoming surface hazard and surrounding traffic.
Identified standing water ahead and confirmed following vehicle distance via mirrors.
Observing hazards early allows smooth, controlled adjustments without surprising trailing vehicles.
2
Ease off the accelerator well before reaching the water rather than braking abruptly.
Vehicle speed decreases smoothly and progressively before encountering the pool.
Lower vehicle speed reduces the rate of water accumulation in front of the tyres, allowing the tread grooves to clear water efficiently and prevent aquaplaning.
3
Maintain a steady course with both hands on the steering wheel while traversing the wet area.
Tyre contact and directional stability are preserved.
Sudden steering inputs or pedal applications while tyres pass through standing water can break residual grip and initiate a skid.

Key Concept

Proactive speed reduction before standing water to prevent aquaplaning
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Wet Weather and Aquaplaning

More questions from this topic