Hydroplaning can be a frightening and dangerous experience. It happens when your vehicle loses traction on wet or slick surfaces, causing you to lose control temporarily. Knowing what to do if you start hydroplaning can make a big difference in staying safe on the road, especially in rainy or wet conditions common in Georgia. Understanding how to handle hydroplaning, how to prevent it, and what steps to take afterward can help you stay calm, protect yourself, and potentially prevent accidents.

Go Big Injury Lawyers is here to provide support if you’ve experienced a hydroplaning-related accident and need legal guidance. With offices in Albany, Augusta, Athens, Atlanta, Columbus, and Macon, we’re available 24 hours a day. You can reach us at 800-777-7777, and all consultations are free.

What is Hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between your vehicle’s tires and the road surface, causing your tires to lose contact with the road. When this happens, you may feel the steering wheel become light, or you might lose the ability to steer entirely. Hydroplaning can result from high speeds, worn-out tires, heavy rainfall, or puddles on the road. Vehicles with low tread or improperly inflated tires are more prone to hydroplaning, and even a small amount of water on the road can cause it.

Steps to Take When You Start Hydroplaning

If you feel your car begin to hydroplane, staying calm and knowing what actions to take is essential. Here are the recommended steps for handling hydroplaning safely:

1. Stay Calm and Avoid Panic

It’s natural to feel scared when your vehicle suddenly loses traction, but staying calm is crucial. Panicking can lead to overreacting, which may make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, keep your hands steady on the wheel, and focus on regaining control.

2. Ease Off the Gas Pedal

As soon as you feel your car start to hydroplane, gently take your foot off the gas pedal. Reducing your speed gradually allows your tires to regain traction with the road. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can worsen the skid and lead to a loss of control. Instead, keep your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle’s speed decrease naturally.

3. Steer in the Direction You Want to Go

If your car begins to slide, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the car to go. This technique, known as “steering into the skid,” can help you regain control. Avoid making sudden, jerky movements with the steering wheel, as overcorrecting can lead to spinning or flipping. Gentle, controlled steering adjustments are key.

4. Wait for the Tires to Regain Traction

Your car will begin to regain traction once the tires make full contact with the road again. You’ll notice the steering wheel becoming responsive, and the vehicle will start to slow down. Continue to steer gently and avoid sudden movements until you feel fully in control.

5. Apply the Brakes Gently if Necessary

Once you’ve regained control and your vehicle’s tires are back in contact with the road, apply the brakes gently if you need to slow down further. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), they will automatically pulse to prevent the wheels from locking up. If your car does not have ABS, use a light, pumping motion with the brake pedal to help maintain control.

How to Avoid Hydroplaning

While hydroplaning can happen to anyone, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk and stay safer on wet roads:

1. Slow Down in Wet Conditions

Speed is a major factor in hydroplaning. Driving at a slower speed allows your tires to maintain better contact with the road. When roads are wet, reducing your speed can greatly decrease the risk of losing control. In heavy rain, it’s often safer to drive below the posted speed limit and leave extra distance between you and other vehicles.

2. Avoid Sudden Turns or Lane Changes

When roads are wet, sharp turns or sudden lane changes increase the chances of losing traction. Try to make smooth, gradual movements, especially in rainy conditions, as this helps maintain stability and reduces the likelihood of hydroplaning.

3. Check Your Tires Regularly

Properly maintained tires can make a big difference in preventing hydroplaning. Tires with good tread can disperse water more effectively, helping to keep them in contact with the road. Make sure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure and replace them if the tread is worn down. A simple test is to insert a penny into the tire’s tread – if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.

4. Avoid Puddles and Standing Water

If possible, avoid driving through puddles or standing water on the road. Even a thin layer of water can cause hydroplaning, especially at higher speeds. By steering around these hazards, you can reduce the risk of your tires losing traction.

5. Use Cruise Control Cautiously in Wet Conditions

While cruise control can be useful for maintaining speed on dry roads, it may increase the risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions. If your car begins to hydroplane with cruise control engaged, it may accelerate, worsening the skid. It’s safer to control your speed manually on wet roads.

What to Do After a Hydroplaning Accident

If you were involved in an accident due to hydroplaning, knowing what steps to take can help protect your legal rights and your health.

1. Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Help if Needed

First, ensure everyone in the vehicle is safe. If anyone is injured, call for medical assistance immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, getting checked by a healthcare provider is always a good idea, as some injuries may not be immediately noticeable.

2. Move to a Safe Location

If possible, move your vehicle to a safe area away from traffic. This helps prevent further accidents and ensures the safety of everyone involved. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

3. Call the Police

In Georgia, you must report any accident resulting in injury or significant property damage to the police. An officer will arrive to document the accident and create an official report, which may be helpful for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

4. Gather Evidence

Collect as much information as you can from the accident scene, including:

  • Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
  • Contact information for other drivers involved and any witnesses.
  • Insurance and contact information for the other party, if applicable.

Having clear documentation can be essential when filing a claim with your insurance company or seeking compensation.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the information you gathered and answer any questions they may have regarding the incident. Your insurer may request copies of the police report and medical records related to the accident.

6. Contact a Lawyer for Legal Guidance

If you’ve been injured or incurred significant property damage due to a hydroplaning accident, contacting a lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. Go Big Injury Lawyers is available 24 hours a day at 800-777-7777 and offers free consultations. With offices in Albany, Augusta, Athens, Atlanta, Columbus, and Macon, our team is here to support you throughout Georgia.

Common Causes of Hydroplaning Accidents

Understanding the causes of hydroplaning accidents can help you stay vigilant on the road and recognize conditions where hydroplaning is more likely:

  • Heavy Rain: Excessive rainfall can create a layer of water on the road that even well-maintained tires may struggle to navigate.
  • Poor Road Drainage: Roads that don’t drain properly can accumulate water, increasing the risk of hydroplaning.
  • Worn-Out Tires: Tires with low tread depth cannot disperse water effectively, increasing the risk of losing traction.
  • High Speeds: Driving too fast in wet conditions can make it difficult for your tires to maintain contact with the road.

Seeking Compensation After a Hydroplaning Accident

If you were involved in a hydroplaning accident caused by poor road conditions, defective vehicle parts, or another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. Potential damages you can seek include:

  • Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital visits, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy related to injuries from the accident.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income if you’re unable to work due to your injuries.
  • Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other property damaged in the accident.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the accident.

Conclusion

Hydroplaning can be a sudden and frightening experience, but knowing how to handle it and what steps to take afterward can make a significant difference. Remember to stay calm, ease off the gas, and steer carefully until you regain control. Taking preventive steps, such as maintaining your tires and reducing speed in wet conditions, can also help reduce the risk of hydroplaning.

If you’ve been involved in a hydroplaning accident, Go Big Injury Lawyers is here to support you.  With offices in Albany, Augusta, Athens, Atlanta, Columbus, and Macon, we’re available 24 hours a day at 800-777-7777, and all consultations are free. Call us at 800-777-7777 for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your options for pursuing compensation.