If you are driving on a highway in heavy rain, you must slow down your vehicle to avoid hydroplaning.

• A. Slow down to avoid hydroplaning
• B. Increase speed to get out of water
• C. Brake hard immediately
• D. Change lanes rapidly

Answer: (A)

Hydroplaning happens when a layer of water gets between the tire and the road, causing a sudden loss of traction. The faster you drive, the harder it is for the tire to push water away, so reduction in speed helps the tire regain contact with the road and keeps steering and braking controllable. Avoid actions that can worsen a skid—don’t brake hard, don’t accelerate suddenly, and don’t switch lanes rapidly—as these can push you further out of control. Maintain a safe following distance and ensure your tires have proper tread and inflation so they can better disperse water in wet conditions. The best immediate move is to slow down gradually to restore grip.