New York DMV Permit Written TestSafe Driving PracticesHard
A driver is experiencing heavy rain and strong crosswinds on a highway. The vehicle begins to hydroplane slightly. What is the immediate and safest action the driver should take?
- AAccelerate slightly to regain traction.
- BEase off the accelerator, keep the steering wheel straight, and avoid braking.
- CBrake hard and steer sharply into the skid.
- DTurn on high-beam headlights and use the emergency flashers.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Ease off the accelerator, keep the steering wheel straight, and avoid braking.
When hydroplaning, the tires lose contact with the road due to a layer of water. The safest action is to ease off the accelerator, avoid braking, and keep the steering wheel straight until the tires regain traction. Braking or steering sharply will worsen the situation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Accelerating will increase the speed at which you are hydroplaning and prevent tires from regaining traction.
- C. Braking hard and steering sharply are dangerous actions when hydroplaning, as they can cause a complete loss of control.
- D. While lights are important in rain, these actions do not address the hydroplaning itself and can be distracting.
Responding to Hydroplaning
If your vehicle hydroplanes, ease off the accelerator, keep the steering wheel straight, and avoid braking until traction returns.
- Caused by water layer between tires and road.
- Do NOT brake or steer sharply.
- Gently release accelerator, hold wheel straight.
Memory trick: Hydroplane? Lift, Straighten, Wait, Don't Brake or Twist!