Question

chicago driver license quiz
58
if your vehicle begins to hydroplane, what should you do?
a: brake hard immediately
b: steer sharply toward the shoulder
c: ease off the gas and steer straight until control returns
d: accelerate to push through the water

Explanation:

🆕 New Concept Discovered: Hydroplaning Recovery
How to regain control when tires lose grip on wet roads.

Step 1: Understand hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between your vehicle's tires and the road surface, causing a loss of traction. When this happens, your vehicle is essentially floating on water, and you lose the ability to steer or brake effectively.

Step 2: Evaluate the options

• A: Brake hard immediately – Braking hard can lock your wheels, causing your vehicle to skid completely out of control once the tires regain contact with the road.
• B: Steer sharply toward the shoulder – Sharp steering inputs while hydroplaning can cause the vehicle to spin out or roll over when the tires suddenly grip the road again.
• C: Ease off the gas and steer straight until control returns – Releasing the accelerator slows the vehicle down naturally without sudden forces. Keeping the steering wheel straight prevents a sudden, violent turn when the tires regain traction.
• D: Accelerate to push through the water – Accelerating will increase your speed, making the hydroplaning worse and further reducing traction.

Step 3: Identify the correct action

The safest response is to avoid sudden braking or steering. By easing off the gas pedal, you allow the vehicle to slow down naturally until the tires sink through the water and make contact with the pavement again. Keeping the wheel straight ensures you do not veer off course when traction is restored.

Answer:

C: Ease off the gas and steer straight until control returns