What is the proper response if you encounter hydroplaning?

When encountering hydroplaning, the proper response is to ease off the accelerator and steer straight. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road, causing the vehicle to lose traction. In this situation, steering sharply can make the loss of control worse, potentially leading to skidding or rolling over.

By easing off the accelerator, the vehicle will gradually slow down, allowing the tires to regain traction with the road as you steer straight. It is important to maintain a steady hand on the steering wheel and not over-correct, as this can lead to further loss of control.

Braking hard would increase the likelihood of losing control, as sudden changes in speed can affect the stability of the vehicle on a slippery surface. Similarly, accelerating during hydroplaning will not help regain grip and can lead to further instability. Therefore, the recommended action is to gently ease off the accelerator and steer straight, which facilitates the recovery from hydroplaning safely.