If you hydroplane and begin to skid, which action is recommended?

• A. Accelerate to regain traction
• B. Release the accelerator
• C. Brake hard
• D. Turn the wheel sharply away from the skid

Answer: (B)

When your tires are riding on a layer of water and lose grip, the priority is to slow down smoothly so the tires can recontact the road. Releasing the accelerator reduces speed without upsetting weight balance, helping regain traction. Braking hard or accelerating pushes you further from stable grip and can lock up the wheels or worsen the skid. Abruptly turning the wheel can also throw you off balance, so keep the steering steady and straight, and only steer gently toward your intended path once you sense the tires grabbing the road again. After traction returns, you can resume normal braking and normal steering.