What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle's tires are unable to maintain contact with the road because a layer of water lifts the tires off the pavement. This phenomenon typically happens when there is a significant amount of water on the road surface, and the speed of the vehicle exceeds the water's ability to drain away.

When hydroplaning occurs, the driver loses control as the tires can no longer grip the road, which can lead to dangerous situations, including loss of steering and braking control. Understanding hydroplaning is crucial for safe driving, especially in wet conditions. Recognizing the factors that contribute to hydroplaning—such as tire tread depth and vehicle speed—enables drivers to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of losing control on wet roads.

The other choices refer to different driving hazards. Losing traction due to ice indicates a form of skid unique to cold conditions. Skidding on gravel involves losing control on a loose surface, while drifting off the road describes a different type of accident altogether. Each of these scenarios involves specific conditions that do not directly relate to the effect of water on tire traction that defines hydroplaning.