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Difficulty: MediumSkidding Causes and Correction

As you travel along a dual carriageway during a heavy downpour, your car begins to aquaplane across standing water, causing the steering wheel to feel completely weightless and unresponsive. What should you do to safely regain control?

  1. A
    Brake firmly and immediately steer towards the hard shoulder
  2. Ease off the accelerator gradually and hold the steering wheel straight until grip is restoredAnswer
  3. C
    Depress the clutch pedal fully and pump the footbrake rapidly
  4. D
    Turn the steering wheel vigorously from side to side to help the tyre tread cut through the surface water

Answer

Ease off the accelerator gradually and hold the steering wheel straight until grip is restored
When a vehicle aquaplanes, the tyres lose direct contact with the road and ride on a wedge of water. The safest course of action is to ease off the accelerator gently and maintain a straight steering path. As speed reduces, the tyre grooves can displace the standing water, restoring normal grip and steering control smoothly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Recognise the symptoms of aquaplaning
Identify that the tyres are riding on a film of water due to light steering and engine revs increasing without acceleration
Correct identification prevents panic reactions such as slamming on the brakes or jerking the steering wheel
2
Remove foot pressure smoothly from the accelerator pedal
Vehicle speed gradually reduces without sudden weight transfer or wheel locking
Allows the weight of the vehicle to settle and gives the tyre tread grooves time to disperse the standing water
3
Maintain a steady, straight steering direction
The front wheels remain aligned with the direction of travel when tyre contact is re-established
Prevents violent lateral movement or sudden skidding the moment the tyres regain grip on the road surface

Key Concept

Aquaplaning occurs when water builds up between tyres and the road surface, causing total loss of steering and braking; recovery requires smooth deceleration without harsh braking or steering inputs.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Skidding Causes and Correction

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