Avoid hydroplaning using these helpful tips when driving in the rain
Severe weather is in the forecast for the Fort Worth area. Here’s what you need to know about driving during storms.
The City of Fort Worth has installed high-water warning flashing lights at most of the dangerous flooding areas in the city. Drivers can check the status of these danger areas on the city’s website to see which areas to avoid.
As the rain continues and the threat of flooding worsens, knowing how to drive in the downpour is helpful:
Before you go
Taking care of your vehicle before even hitting the road can ensure a level of safety on wet pavement, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.
- Make sure your windshield wipers are working to help with visibility.
- Keep your headlights clean so you can see through the rain.
- Check the air pressure on your tires. Properly inflated tires will help in braking efficiency.
- Make a plan when traveling. Traveling in extreme weather can often take longer and be more stressful.
- Learn alternative routes in case of roadways, bridges or streets being closed due to bad weather.
On the road
After doing a vehicle check, planning out your route and checking for any road closures or flood warnings, here’s what’s next when driving in bad weather:
- Slow down — Driving slower helps decrease skids and traffic accidents. Driving at a slower pace also makes it easier to avoid people, animals or obstacles on the road.
- Leave space in the front — Brake time is slower in bad weather, so leaving more room to stop in front of you can help with any skidding that may occur. The Texas Department of Transportation recommends leaving at least six seconds of space between vehicles.
- Use turn signals early — Using turn signals earlier than normal will give other drivers plenty of time to see where you’re moving.
- Pay attention to local information on conditions — Local weather radio will have live updates on the weather and road conditions as you are traveling.
- Buckle up and no cruise control — Wearing a seat belt is the law in Texas. Take your vehicle off of cruise control to make quick adjustments.
- Avoid hard braking and sharp turns —Drivers should slowly brake by taking their foot off the accelerator and lightly pressing the brake to avoid sliding. Sharp turns can also lead to skids or accidents due to wet roads.
- Pull over if needed — If the rain is coming down hard and you have limited visibility, pull over and wait for the storm to pass or for visibility to improve.
What to do in the rain
- Turn on headlights — Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and letting other drivers know where you.
- On the road — Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rain water tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
- Steer clear of puddles — Driving into puddles or low areas of rain water can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
- Do not follow large vehicles closely — Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
- Steer clear of flooded areas — When coming to a flooded road, turn around and head back. Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle’s weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin later of water between the tires and road, making the driver lose control. The three main causes of hydroplaning are:
- Vehicle speed — When a vehicle’s speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
- Water depth — The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn’t matter how deep the water is, even a thing layer can lead to hydroplaning.
- Tire tread depth — Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here’s what to know:
- Ease off the accelerator — Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle and until the tires find traction.
- Turn into the skid — Turning into the skid can help the vehicle’s tires realign to regain control.
- Make sure the tires reconnect with road — During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
- Brake gently as needed — Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
This story was originally published August 22, 2022 at 12:02 PM.
