An Increased Risk
With spring rains come wet pavement and dangerous driving conditions. When rain begins to fall, the water mixes with dust and oil on the roadway to form a slick, greasy film. Be sure to slow down and turn on the headlights. Wet pavement will increase stopping distances, so leave a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. It will also make it more difficult to hold the road on curves.
When hydroplaning occurs, your tires ride on the water and lose contact with the roadway. This causes loss of traction and control. Hydroplaning can happen at any speed over 35 mph. In a heavy rainstorm, the tires can lose all contact with the road at 55 mph.
If You Begin to Hydroplane
If you begin to hydroplane, take your foot off the accelerator and slow down. Do not hit the brakes, since this may cause you to skid. To avoid hydroplaning:
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Have good tires with deep treads on your vehicle
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Keep tires property inflated
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Slow down during rainstorms or when the pavement is wet
Avoid Large Puddles & Deep Water
Never drive into water on the road if you can't tell how deep it is. Water that is two feet deep can float a large vehicle or bus off the road. Rapidly moving water that is six inches deep can knock down a person. Don't make a deadly mistake. If water is over the road, don't try to go through it.