When you are driving down an Atlanta highway, your tires firmly hug the pavement. This gives you control of the vehicle, so you can steer, accelerate and brake. However, on rain-soaked roads, this may not be the case.
If a layer of water comes between your tires and the surface of the road, your car may hydroplane or skid out of control. This can lead to deadly car accidents like the car crash that recently killed an Atlanta family.
1. Make sure that your tires are in good condition with plenty of tread remaining. Tires that are becoming "bald" or worn are more likely to hydroplane as tread allows water an escape route to prevent it from pooling under the tire.
2. Maintain your tire pressure. Keep your vehicle's tires inflated to the pressure level recommended by the manufacturer. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires reduce safety.
3. Slow down when driving on wet roads. At higher speeds, tires do not have enough time to channel the water out from under the vehicle. Reducing your speed by about 30 percent will dramatically reduce your chances of hydroplaning.
4. When possible, avoid puddles. Hydroplaning occurs most often when a fast moving vehicle drives into a deep puddle. It is hard to judge the depth of standing water and deep v water is more likely to cause hydroplaning as there is nowhere for water to go.
5. Use care when following. In order to reduce yor chances of hydroplaning, try to drive in the tire marks of the vehicle in front of you as that road is drier. And, leave plenty of space for emergency stops.
6. Avoid using your cruise control on wet, slippery pavement. Some experts believe that using cruise control in wet weather put you at a higher risk for a hydroplaning accident.
What should you do if your vehicle hydroplanes (you have no steering control)?
1. Stay calm.
2. Ease up on the gas.
3. Do not apply your brakes.
4. If you have a stick shift, lower your gears.
5. Use small, gentle steering motions to gradually move your car in the desired direction. As you reduce speed, you should gain control of your car. Do not jerk.
These safety tips are brought to you by the Law Offices of Shane Smith. Hydroplaning can’t always be prevented, but many serious Atlanta car accidents are preventable. If you have been injured because of the negligence or recklessness of another person, Atlanta car crash attorney Shane Smith can help you get insurance compensation for your injuries, property damage and other losses. To learn more, download our free book, “Property Damage Guide for Georgia” or contact Georgia personal injury attorney Shane Smith at 770-HURT-999 to schedule a free consultation.
