Georgia Commercial Driver License Practice Test

What should you do to help maintain control during hydroplaning?

1. Press the brake firmly

2. Accelerate quickly

3. Take your foot off the accelerator

4. Steer sharply to one side

The correct answer is: Take your foot off the accelerator

Maintaining control of the vehicle during hydroplaning is critical to ensure safety. When a vehicle hydroplanes, it means that a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road surface, leading to a loss of traction. In such situations, the best course of action is to take your foot off the accelerator. This action helps to reduce the speed of the vehicle gradually, allowing the tires to regain contact with the road surface as the vehicle slows down. Remaining calm and gently easing off the accelerator prevents the wheels from spinning faster than the vehicle is moving, which can exacerbate the loss of control. By reducing speed, you give the tires a better chance to break through the water layer and re-establish contact with the road. It's important to avoid any abrupt movements such as sharp steering or sudden braking, as these can lead to a skid or spin-out. The other potential actions would not effectively help regain control during hydroplaning. Pressing the brake firmly or accelerating quickly can both further disrupt traction, while steering sharply can lead to an unmanageable situation. Therefore, easing off the accelerator is the most effective method to maintain control during hydroplaning.