What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road surface and instead ride atop a layer of water. This typically happens when water accumulates between the tires and the road, primarily due to excessive speed relative to the conditions. When a vehicle is traveling too fast for wet conditions, the tires may not be able to displace the water quickly enough, resulting in a loss of traction. This can lead to skidding or a complete lack of control, which is particularly dangerous. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for safe driving, especially in rainy conditions, as it underscores the importance of adjusting speed and driving practices based on road and weather conditions.