How to handle aquaplaning

Do you check the weather forecast before you get in the car?

With the traditional British rain and drizzle, this might be a good idea. Adverse weather conditions can affect road surfaces with puddles potentially putting safety at risk.

One of the main issues driving in wet weather is aquaplaning - an event that occurs when a car loses grip and slides on water, leaving the driver unable to brake, accelerate or even steer. This can be a frightening experience when you have your hands on the wheel, and could potentially lead to an accident.

There’s also a chance you could be guilty of the following motoring offences following an aquaplaning incident:

• Driving without due care and attention - Driving too fast for the wet road conditions could result in a fixed penalty notice of £100 and 3 penalty points, potentially rising to 9.
• Driving with unsuitable tyres - If your tread depth is under the legal minimum of 1.6mm, you could face a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 points (per tyre!).
• Dangerous driving - If you lose complete control of the vehicle, you could be fined up to £5,000, receive up to 9 penalty points and possibly even receive a ban from driving.

If you deliberately splash a pedestrian, you could be fined up to £5,000 if the act was deemed malicious or aggressive.

What is aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning is when a layer of water builds up between the road surface and tyres’ contact patch (the grooves in the tyres).

This makes it difficult to control your vehicle as there is no longer any traction. With the tyre not touching the ground, the driver will temporarily be unable to steer, brake or accelerate.

It’s not just rain that can lead to aquaplaning. Deep puddles, poor drainage and unexpected amounts of standing or surface water can also affect driving conditions.

You can tell you’re aquaplaning if the following happens:

• Your steering wheel starts feeling light or loose.
• The car starts to swerve or drift.
• There’s a lack of steering response.
• Your engine revs increase, leading to wheelspin.
• Your brakes are unresponsive or ineffective.
• Your vehicle feels like it’s slowing down, but you’re not braking.

What should you do when you’re aquaplaning?

As with so many elements of driving, it’s important to stay calm if you start to aquaplane. Try not to panic and avoid making any sudden or jerky movements. To regain control, you should do the following:

• Take your foot off the accelerator - Reduce speed slowly and gently, depressing the clutch if you’re driving a manual vehicle.
• Steer straight - Hold the steering wheel firmly but gently, keeping it pointed towards where you need to go.
• Turn off cruise control - It’s not safe to drive in the rain or over wet surfaces with cruise control on as you need to be in control of the speed of your vehicle. You should turn cruise control off if the weather and ground are wet.
• Avoid braking - You should not brake when aquaplaning. Take your foot gently off the accelerator and slow down naturally. Once the tyres have contact with the ground, you can drive normally again.
• Regain control - As the tyres touch the surface again you will feel a slight jolt and can continue driving normally. Remember to take it slowly to ensure everyone’s safety.

How to avoid aquaplaning?

Check your tyres

You should regularly check your tyre tread depth. This should be above 1.6mm but it’s recommended you replace them before they get to this point to help your car perform as it should (and keep you safe). A low tread depth will reduce a tyre’s ability to expel water.

Incorrectly inflated tyres can also affect the shape of the tyre, meaning the grooves may not expel water quite as efficiently as they should. Under-inflated tyres can also cause issues. Heavier vehicles and those with wider tyres may be more susceptible to aquaplaning so it’s important to adapt your driving to the conditions…

Reduce your speed

One way of lowering the chances of aquaplaning is driving significantly slower than you would in dry conditions.

Increase your stopping distance

Double the distance from the car in front of you.

Drive smoothly

Avoid harsh braking or accelerating.

Watch out for water

Keep an eye on surface water, bearing in mind puddles may be deeper than you expect. Steer around puddles or follow the ‘tracks’ in the water left by the vehicle ahead of you.

Aquaplaning vs hydroplaning

Aquaplaning is sometimes known as hydroplaning, although this term tends to be used more in an aviation setting.

At what speed do you aquaplane?

Aquaplaning can occur at speeds as low as 35mph, depending on water depth, but is significantly more likely as speed increases (e.g., 50mph in 2 inches of water).

It’s important to reduce your speed and check your tyres before driving in the rain. Keep straight if you’re driving through a wet surface and remain calm at all times. You’ll soon be back on dry land as you head towards your destination.

If you feel uncomfortable driving in wet conditions, why not take out temporary car insurance and share the drive? As soon as the weather takes a turn, you can stop in a safe place and let a friend or family member take the wheel to navigate the harsher conditions - with no impact on your existing cover or no claims discount.

Sources

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/understanding-aquaplaning/

https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/advice/what-is-aquaplaning

https://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/tyre-knowledge/aquaplaning/

https://www.carwow.co.uk/blog/what-is-aquaplaning