The rainy season in Florida is fast approaching, so it’s a good time to review road safety when
the roadway is wet with rain. Drivers in The Sunshine State can expect rain just about every day
during the summer months and beyond, meaning that the dangers of a wet roadway can be a
daily occurrence. Explore the details of hydroplane theory to ensure that you are staying safe
on the road when the rain is falling.
Hydroplane Theory
Hydroplaning is a dangerous occurrence where you lose control of your vehicle when driving on
wet roads. Your vehicle’s tires need to maintain contact with the road’s surface at all times in
order to have adequate traction. When it rains, the water comes between your tires and the
surface of the roadway, causing your tires to lose traction. While your tire’s treads work to
move water away from the surface of the tires so that the tires maintain contact with the
pavement, sometimes there is just too much water.
When there is too much water on the roadway for your tires’ treads to handle, the tires lose
contact with the road’s surface. Essentially, you are driving on water and your vehicle cannot be
controlled by using the brakes or steering. This is hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning can cause serious accidents as your vehicle can careen out of control, usually at
high speeds.
Driving Safely on Wet Roads
Slowing down is the best choice when roadways become wet due to rain. The faster you drive,
the less time your tires have to move water away from the contact between the tires and the
roadway. Additionally, the more water on the road, the higher your chances of hydroplaning.
Slow down when driving on wet roadways, and slow down even more when heavy rain showers
are dumping a lot of water on the road.
Tucker Paving is a paving construction company with over 25 years of experience in the asphalt
and concrete paving industry! Contact us online, or call us at (863) 299-2262 for assistance with
your next asphalt paving project.
