Driving in Florida means dealing with sudden downpours, slick highways, and standing water. One of the most dangerous effects of wet weather driving is aquaplaning, also known as hydroplaning. It happens when your car’s tires lose contact with the road surface due to a thin layer of water, causing a loss of traction and control. Understanding how and why this happens can save your life.
What Is Aquaplaning?
Aquaplaning occurs when water builds up between your tires and the road faster than the tread can channel it away. This causes the tires to lose grip, meaning your steering, braking, and acceleration no longer respond. The vehicle can skid or spin, making it almost impossible to control until the tires regain traction.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire condition, speed, and water depth are key factors that increase the risk of aquaplaning.
Common Causes of Aquaplaning
- Excessive Speed: Driving too fast for wet conditions makes it harder for tires to push water away.
- Worn Tires: Bald or underinflated tires can’t properly disperse water, increasing the risk.
- Heavy Rain or Puddles: Deep water on the road can cause sudden loss of control, even at moderate speeds.
- Improper Tire Pressure: Incorrect inflation reduces tire performance, especially on slick surfaces.
How to Avoid Aquaplaning
While aquaplaning can happen to anyone, there are practical steps to minimize the risk:
- Reduce speed when driving in rain or on wet pavement.
- Ensure your tires have sufficient tread depth and proper air pressure.
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on wet roads.
- Follow the tracks of vehicles ahead of you, where water has already been displaced.
- If your car starts to aquaplane, ease off the gas and steer gently in the direction you want to go—never brake suddenly.
For a deeper look into vehicle safety during accidents, review Florida car accident laws to understand your rights after a crash.
What to Do If You Aquaplane
If your vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably:
- Stay calm and don’t panic.
- Gently lift your foot off the accelerator.
- Keep your steering wheel straight until you feel your tires regain traction.
- Avoid slamming the brakes—doing so can cause your vehicle to spin.
Once you’ve regained control, pull over safely if necessary to check your tires and regain composure.
Legal Help After an Aquaplaning Accident
Even with careful driving, aquaplaning accidents happen, especially on poorly maintained or flooded roads. If you’re injured due to aquaplaning, you may have a valid claim for compensation depending on the circumstances.
The legal team at Fenimore Injury Law can help determine whether another party’s negligence—such as poor road maintenance or defective tires—contributed to your crash. Learn more about your rights with our Pensacola car accident lawyers and how we can help protect your interests.
Insurance and Coverage Considerations
In Florida, insurance coverage can be complex after an aquaplaning accident. Many drivers are surprised to learn that standard insurance may not fully cover damages, especially if the other driver is uninsured.
Understanding your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in Florida can help ensure you’re protected if another driver causes the crash and lacks adequate insurance.
Florida Weather and Road Safety
Florida’s unique climate makes aquaplaning more common than in other states. Sudden thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tropical rains can leave highways slick and flooded within minutes. Drivers should always be alert during summer rainstorms, especially on highways like I-10 or U.S. Route 98, where standing water often collects.
The National Weather Service advises motorists to slow down and avoid driving through standing water, which can conceal deep potholes or debris.
Why Aquaplaning Accidents Require Legal Guidance
After an aquaplaning crash, proving liability can be complicated. Insurance companies may argue that weather is an uncontrollable factor, minimizing your claim. However, if poor drainage, worn tires from a service center, or another driver’s negligence contributed, you may be entitled to compensation.
Fenimore Injury Law investigates every angle of your case, including weather reports, vehicle maintenance, and roadway conditions, to build the strongest claim possible.
When to Contact Fenimore Injury Law
If you’ve been involved in a crash caused by aquaplaning, don’t navigate the insurance process alone. Fenimore Injury Law offers free consultations to help you understand your options and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Our team combines deep knowledge of Florida law with compassion and experience, ensuring you’re supported every step of the way.
Contact Fenimore Injury Law today for a free consultation and get the help you need after a wet-weather accident.