Question

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is the condition in which your car cannot remove water from under the tire, which in turn causes the car to glide due to lack of friction. It is a dangerous condition, and is common during rainy days

Depending on how fast you are going and your control, hydroplaning can be dangerous. The car will feel like it is floating, drifting, or skidding on ice. Most of the time, the feeling will not last longer than 2 to 3 seconds, but it can be prolonged and consequently cause the car to spin out of control.

How to Stop a Car from Hydroplaning

If you feel the car is hydroplaning, keep your leg off the gas pedal. Don’t steer or slam on the brake pedal which can cause the car to lose control. Consequently, apply the brakes progressively. Grip the steering wheel firmly to prevent any wobble.

If you are on a multi-lane road, be on the middle lane, which will be higher than the outer lanes, so there is less water. Cruise control is good, but I don’t trust a computer to bring me home safely when the road is wet; I always have control over the vehicle. Always check the tire pressure and try to maintain the recommended tire pressure to keep the car from hydroplaning.

Does Insurance Cover Hydroplaning?

Most of the time, hydroplaning accidents occur due to road imperfections caused by improper drainage and poor road maintenance. In that case, the driver is not accountable for the mishap. Generally, collision coverage would cover damages if you get into a single-car hydroplane accident. However, if you get into a hydroplaning accident and collide with another car or injure a person and are found at fault, your insurer will investigate. In that instance, your liability coverage may cover the injury caused to the other party and the cost of their vehicle repair.