What to Do When Your Vehicle Starts to Hydroplane in New Hampshire

Understanding Hydroplaning: A Crucial Driving Skill in New Hampshire

Driving in New Hampshire can be a picturesque experience, especially with the beautiful scenery, especially during foliage season or winter. However, it can also present unexpected challenges, particularly in rainy conditions. Hydroplaning is one of those scary situations every driver dreads. It occurs when a layer of water on the road prevents your tires from making direct contact with the surface, causing a potential loss of control. So, what should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane? Let's break it down step by step.

Stay Calm and Understand the Situation

Here’s the thing: hydroplaning can be disorienting. You might feel a sense of panic — and that's totally normal! The best thing you can do is stay calm. Losing your cool will only make the situation worse. Hydroplaning happens when water gets between your tires and the road. Imagine driving on a slip-and-slide! Your tires can’t grab onto the surface as they should.

Watch Your Speed

Before we jump into what to do during hydroplaning, it’s important to note that speed is a huge factor. Driving too fast on wet roads increases the risk of hydroplaning. Did you know that even a small amount of water can cause traction issues when you're going too fast? Keep this in mind as you navigate rainfall, especially during those heavy New England rains.

The Correct Response

So, what do you do when you feel that unsettling slip? Option B for the win! Gently ease off the accelerator and steer straight until you regain traction. Let’s unpack that:

1. Easing off the accelerator: This action allows your vehicle to slow down gradually. Slowing down is key; it helps the tires re-establish contact with the road, which is exactly what you want.

2. Steering straight: By keeping your wheels pointed straight, you minimize the risk of skidding or losing control further. Contrary to instinct, sharp turns can worsen the situation and lead to greater loss of control.

Why Not Do This?

Now you might be thinking, "What about hitting the brakes? Or maybe I should just turn real quick to regain control?" Let's clear that up!

• Avoid hitting the brakes immediately. This can lock up your wheels, and suddenly you have a whole new problem. It's like slamming the brakes on a roller coaster — not a fun time!

• Don’t accelerate suddenly. I know it might be tempting to speed out of danger, but all that does is increase the speed at which your tires sit on top of the water layer. It’s a slippery slope, literally!

• Turning sharply? That’s a recipe for disaster. You could spin out, and that’s the last thing you want.

Prevention is Key

Let’s dangle a little further down the rabbit hole; prevention plays a big role, too! It’s not just about what to do in the moment. Keeping your tires properly inflated and ensuring they've got good tread can significantly help maintain traction on wet roads. And folks, regular maintenance checks? They’re worth every penny.

Final Thoughts

Driving is a skill that requires constant awareness and adaptation, especially in New Hampshire where the weather can do a complete 180 in no time. Remember that hydroplaning doesn’t have to be the end of the world if you know how to respond effectively. Keep calm, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight. Stay safe out there and enjoy those scenic drives! Remember, every condition is just another opportunity to refine your driving skills. You’ve got this!