What should a driver do if they start to hydroplane?

When a driver begins to hydroplane, which occurs when water builds up between the tires and the road surface, the most effective response is to reduce speed without braking sharply. By easing off the accelerator, the driver allows the vehicle to gradually lose speed and regain traction. This method helps to maintain control and prevents the potential for skidding or further loss of traction.

Braking hard can cause the tires to lose additional grip on the wet surface, leading to a greater chance of a spin-out. Accelerating during hydroplaning is counterproductive as it increases the speed of the vehicle while it is already losing contact with the road. Steering sharply can also exacerbate the loss of control, as sudden turns can lead to skids or rollovers. Therefore, reducing speed in a controlled manner is the safest option to regain stability when hydroplaning.