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1. Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning (also called aquaplaning) happens when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road surface and ride on top of a layer of water, causing a loss of steering, braking, and control. With slower speeds, good tires, and smooth driving, you can avoid or safely recover from it. Never slam the brakes or jerk the steering wheel—that can make it worse.

• What Causes Hydroplaning?
  • Water on the road – especially during heavy rain or through puddles.
  • Worn-out tires – low tread depth can’t channel water away.
  • High speeds – tires can't push water aside fast enough.
  • Sudden moves – sharp turns or hard braking on wet surfaces.

A vehicle hydroplaning due to flash-flooding. (Wagga Wagga, Australia) © Wikimedia.org/Bidgee, CC BY-SA