Driving and Operating 8-7Of course, traction is reduced whenwater, snow, ice, gravel, or othermaterial is on the road. For safety,slow down and adjust your driving tothese conditions. It is important toslow down on slippery surfacesbecause stopping distance is longerand vehicle control more limited.While driving on a surface withreduced traction, try your best toavoid sudden steering, acceleration,or braking, including reducingvehicle speed by shifting to a lowergear. Any sudden changes couldcause the tires to slide. You mightnot realize the surface is slipperyuntil the vehicle is skidding. Learn torecognize warning clues — such asenough water, ice, or packed snowon the road to make a mirroredsurface — and slow down when youhave any doubt.Remember: Antilock brakes helpavoid only the braking skid.Driving on Wet RoadsRain and wet roads can reducevehicle traction and affect yourability to stop and accelerate.Always drive slower in these typesof driving conditions and avoiddriving through large puddles anddeep‐standing or flowing water.{ WARNINGWet brakes can cause crashes.They might not work as well in aquick stop and could causepulling to one side. You couldlose control of the vehicle.After driving through a largepuddle of water or a car/vehiclewash, lightly apply the brakepedal until the brakes worknormally.(Continued)WARNING (Continued)Flowing or rushing water createsstrong forces. Driving throughflowing water could cause yourvehicle to be carried away. If thishappens, you and other vehicleoccupants could drown. Do notignore police warnings and bevery cautious about trying to drivethrough flowing water.HydroplaningHydroplaning is dangerous. Watercan build up under your vehicle'stires so they actually ride on thewater. This can happen if the roadis wet enough and you are goingfast enough. When your vehicle ishydroplaning, it has little or nocontact with the road.There is no hard and fast rule abouthydroplaning. The best advice is toslow down when the road is wet.
