An important portion of driving school is to present students with material on how to control their vehicle under various weather conditions. With higher chances of rain during the spring season, it’s important to be aware of how much water is on the road when you’re driving. Hydroplaning can be a very sudden and shocking experience. A general explanation of hydroplaning is when the tires of your vehicle lose contact with the road because a thin layer of water gets between the tires and the road surface. This can occur at speeds over 35 miles per hour and when there is a half-inch of water or more sitting on the road surface. Poor tread on the tires can also increase the possibility of hydroplaning.
To avoid hydroplaning, it’s important to follow these tips when it’s raining or the road surface is wet:
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Reduce vehicle speed before you enter the water on the road surface
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Never utilize cruise control when the road surface is wet
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Extend following distance to 4 or more seconds
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Utilize windshield wipers, and by law, turn on your headlights
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Check wipers on a regular basis to make sure they don’t smear
If you’re interested in enrolling in any of our driving schools, click on your city below for more information.
Bill Kennedy’s Topeka Driving School
Bill Kennedy’s Drive-Right School of Wichita
Bill Kennedy’s Little Apple Driving School
Bill Kennedy’s Drive Right School of Johnson County