Heavy rain, a wet road, and a slight lapse can be enough for a vehicle to lose contact with the asphalt. Aquaplaning is one of the most dangerous phenomena in urban and highway traffic, precisely because it happens suddenly.
In daily driving, some simple precautions help reduce the chances of facing this situation and increase safety for everyone. Below is a practical checklist focused on accident prevention.
1) Tires always in proper condition
Tires are the main point of contact between the vehicle and the road. When they are worn or improperly inflated, their ability to drain water decreases, favoring aquaplaning.
Quick checklist: - Regularly check tread depth; worn tires lose grip easily. - Keep tire pressure as indicated by the manufacturer, including the spare. - Watch for uneven wear, which can compromise stability on wet surfaces.
Extra attention on rainy days
Even tires in good condition lose efficiency if the water layer is deep. Reducing speed is an essential part of prevention.
2) Speed appropriate for wet roads
Aquaplaning occurs more frequently at higher speeds, when the tire cannot expel water in time. On urban streets and highways, adjusting your pace is a preventive attitude.
Good practices: - Reduce speed as soon as you notice water accumulation on the road. - Avoid sudden acceleration when passing through puddles or tracks left by other vehicles. - Keep a greater distance from the vehicle ahead, considering the increased braking distance.
3) Smooth driving without abrupt movements
On wet roads, abrupt inputs increase the risk of losing control. Smooth driving helps maintain vehicle stability.
Include in your daily habit: - Take curves with a steady steering wheel and progressive movements. - Avoid hard braking; prefer gradual deceleration. - Double your attention in areas known for flooding or uneven surfaces.
What to do if aquaplaning happens
Even with prevention, the situation can occur. Knowing how to act helps reduce consequences: - Calmly lift your foot off the accelerator. - Do not brake abruptly. - Keep the steering wheel straight until you feel the tires regain contact with the asphalt.
Aquaplaning: prevention starts with routine
More than an emergency reaction, avoiding aquaplaning is the result of constant vehicle care and driving adapted to weather conditions. In everyday traffic, these three checklist items make a real difference in safety.
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