This will help you regain control. However, this doesnt mean that it is completely illegal to use a device while driving in Georgia. To maximize your chance of getting grip, you want them to be parallel with the direction of travel. Find out what hydroplaning refers to and what to do if you hydroplane. Puddles and standing water are no match for even the most high quality tires if your speed is too great. Driving Through Large Puddles or Deep Water. Whats The Difference Between Rims Vs Wheels? represent the authors personal opinions and do not constitute advice or recommendations. Knowing the causes can help you prevent hydroplaning in the future that way youll be prepared knowing what to do when youre hydroplaning and what to avoid to prevent a hydroplaning situation.Watch Your Speed. Georgia law requires cars to turn their headlights on in the rain, even in the daytime. Steering Wheel Vibration After Tire Rotation. The state minimum requirement for auto insurance is only 25/50/25. What should you do when your vehicle hydroplanes CDL? With deeper standing water, your tires have to work much harder. If a tire is damaged, it can't grip the road effectively and will provide less traction. Hydroplaning can happen with just a bit of water on the ground but is more likely to happen in large puddles of water. Streets and highways are most slippery: tread depth. Wet pavement can make the road surface slick, but hydroplaning can happen only when there is a more substantial amount of water on the road. Then youre going to love our bookThe Illustrated Art of Manliness! These exemptions apply to seniors 65 years old and older who meet each of the, Model years 1999 to 2020 go to stations marked All Vehicles Welcome. Our auto insurance experts can help you uncover all of the secrets to saving on your auto insurance. Here are some driving tips to prevent hydroplaning. It wears down the battery. We only recommend products we genuinely like, and purchases made through our links support our mission and the free content we publish here on AoM. Depending on your situation, you can fight the ticket in court, though we recommend an attorney if you choose to do so. Driving on poorly maintained roads with standing water can also cause hydroplaning. The states Click it or Ticket law enforces a hefty fine for any driver not wearing a seatbelt. explanation In some weather, water or slush collects on the road. in: Featured, Manly Know-How, Skills, Visual Guides, Patrick Hutchison April 28, 2018 Last updated: June 2, 2021. When you get behind the wheel, there are various risk factors that can impact your driving. How Much Difference In Tire Size Is Acceptable? If you want coverage for your vehicle, you may want to consider collision and comprehensive coverage for your auto insurance policy. All trademarks property of their respective owners. It may be tempting to slam on the brakes when hydroplaning, but this can worsen the situation. Don't panic. Formerly a licensing director in the insurance sector, she has sound knowledge of how insurance works, which informs much of her writing for Jerry. Be sure to lower your speed by a lot, since you were likely going too fast just before you began hydroplaning. If your car hydroplanes when driving in the rain, be sure to remain calm, allow it to slow down gently, and avoid sudden steering movements. steering that feels heavy. Straight Line Backing: You'll be asked to operate your vehicle in reverse for 50 feet, traveling . In normal conditions, your tires are designed to shed water to the sides. Here are some signs that your vehicle is hydroplaning: The first sign of hydroplaning is a loss of traction. What Does Service Tire Monitor System Mean? Safe and knowledgeable drivers can qualify for discounts and lower rates. In the following video you can see the driver begin to hydroplane and start losing control of their car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that conditions are most dangerous within 10 minutes of rainfall and can occur even if you're going 30 miles per hour or less. The test is given on a private road course thats maintained by the licensing bureau, and the drivers license examiner will direct the test and conduct the evaluation from outside your car instead of from the front passengers seat. This can be very dangerous, as the vehicle can become difficult to control and even spin out of control. including veterans, colleges, special interest groups, and more. The instructor will check to make sure your lights, turn signals, seatbelts, and other safety requirements of your vehicle are met before your test. Its best to avoid hydroplaning, but there are times when you may still experience the a hydroplaning situation and its best to be prepared. You may feel the vehicle start to slide or skid across the road surface, or you may feel the vehicle start to drift in one direction or the other. The minimum legal tread depth in most states is 2/32. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane while you're driving, follow these steps to regain control of your car: Take your foot off the accelerator: Avoid the temptation to hit your brakesthis can cause your car to skid completely out of control. B Avoid using cruise control. Your email address will not be published. You may not be able to steer or brake. If you apply a gentle, consistent pressure to the brake pedal and keep your foot there, it can help slow your car down slightly and regain traction. Why Do Tires Lose Pressure In Cold Weather? All of the above are true. 3: Accelerate slightly and steer into open space. All rights reserved. Should I Increase Tire Pressure For A Heavy Load? ), Podcast #858: The Affectionate, Ambiguous, and Surprisingly Ambivalent Relationship Between Siblings, How to Fight Entitlement and Develop Gratitude in Your Kids, How and Why to Hold a Weekly Marriage Meeting, You Dont Have to Be Your Dad: How to Become Your Familys Transitional Character, Podcast #810: How to Turn a Boy Into a Man, Sunday Firesides: The Maturing Mirror of Marriage, Sunday Firesides: Climb the Ladder of Love, Podcast #875: Authority Is More Important Than Social Skills, Podcast #874: Throw a 2-Hour Cocktail Party That Can Change Your Life, 9 Mental Distortions That Are Sabotaging Your Social Life, Skill of the Week: Shuffle a Deck of Cards, Skill of the Week: Survive a Mountain Lion Encounter, Podcast #902: How to Survive Any Worst Case Scenario, Avoid road edges where puddles tend to accumulate. Some people are not affected by drinking. The standard parallel parking space is 22 feet by 10 feet. For more specific information about exempt vehicles and other eco-friendly driving perks such as possible auto insurance discounts, visit our section on green driver incentives. When a vehicle drives through standing water, the tires can lose traction, and the vehicle can start to slide across the surface of the water. Like this illustrated guide? B B Will A Tire Shop Install Tires Purchased Elsewhere? However, Georgia driving laws are updated more regularly than you may think. If your vehicle hydroplanes, it is important to remain calm and take the appropriate steps to regain control. While hydroplaning, your tires might find patches of asphalt that they can grip to. Drive at a constant speed to gain better traction. All of the above are true. Take your foot of the brake If your vehicle starts to skid what direction should you steer? Subscribe to our News and Updates to stay in the loop and on the road! Some insurance products are underwritten by insurers in the National General Insurance Group. The Georgia Clean Air Force (GCAF) manages the Georgia Vehicle Emissions Inspection & Maintenance (I/M) Program, which consists of several emissions testing processes. If there is an incident with another car or damage to your vehicle while hydroplaning, call for help ASAP. Failure to move over may result in a fine or a ticket. However, many people dont know that the minimum requirement for car insurance in Georgia does NOT cover their car, passengers, and may not even cover the other driver if youre in an accident. Keep a careful watch for puddles on the road after a spot of rain or when the snow melts. You will likely be tempted to come to a full stop and wipe the sweat from your brow. It's the job of your car tires to push the water on the road out of the way; this allows them to. According to the driver's manual, why should you limit the use of your horn? Drivers Ed may be a course thats long behind you. | In addition, you will need to pass a vision and knowledge test before being allowed to take the road test. They might not have any grip either and theyre going through the same thing you just escaped. Tag Renewals. Also known as "aquaplaning," hydroplaning may occur when your vehicle tires lose grip with the road because of standing water, causing the vehicle to skid. B Quotes from 50+ insurance companies. Heavy vehicles can almost always turn more quickly than they can stop. QR code Copyright 2023 TireGrades | All Rights Reserved, 10 Best All-Season Tires For Ride Comfort. Scan To reduce the risk of hydroplaning, it's important to reduce speed and increase the following distance when driving on roads with slippery substances. Currently, she is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Director for a nationally affiliated non-profit organization. In most cases before, police would not be able to prove that a driver was texting and driving instead of simply holding the phone to speak. Hydroplaning occurs when too much water comes between the surface of the road and your vehicle's tires. Which one of these is not part of the check of the engine compartment done for a pre trip inspection? Driving on roads with oil, grease, or other slippery substances can also cause hydroplaning. To check a tire's tread, place a penny upside-down in the tread. Cruise control may make driving easier in some cases but should absolutely be avoided in wet weather conditions such as rain, snow, and ice. The biggest factor that you have control over is your vehicle speed. Coming Out in the Workplace with Valerie H. Creating Fiercely Loyal Customers with Claims Rep Nikki, Position the steering wheel toward the same direction youre going, If possible, let your car slow down on its own and avoid braking hard, but if you must brake, hit the brake gently, Regain control of the car and head to safety, Dont speed up as a way to get out of the wet area, which can backfire, It may seem like you can steer in the opposite direction to counteract the spinning, but you want to steer in the direction youre going, Avoid using cruise control in wet driving conditions. Vehicles that are 25 model years old or older. B. Hydroplaning can be a frightening experience so knowing what to do ahead of time and keeping the driving tips above in mind, can help. To minimize lobby wait times, walk-in customers are encouraged to schedule an appointment. Knowing what not to do when hydroplaning is just as important as what to do when hydroplaning so you can find sturdy ground and get to safety. When the pavement is wet, and its raining, slow down your car. Wet pavement can make the road surface slick, but hydroplaning can happen only when there is a more substantial amount of water on the road. Here are the skills that are evaluated on the driving test in Georgia: Once you complete your test, the license examiner will review your performance and make needed corrections. To start getting customized quotes on the best rates for your Georgia auto insurance, give our experts a call, fill out our online form, or start LiveChatting with an agent today! Remember to always drive with caution in wet or icy conditions and take steps to reduce the chance of your vehicle hydroplaning. Experts are split when it comes to applying the brakes, but we know that it can help your situation. Suddenly braking without traction can cause the rear wheels to lock up while the front of the car still pulls the vehicle forward. 7. This causes a small film of water to get under the tire, separating it from the road. Do NOT sign a buyer's order or place a deposit during negotiations. We hope this guide has helped you out, and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward. A few beers have the same effect on driving as a few shots of whiskey. So, here are the top 10 driving laws that you need to know to remain a safe and informed Georgia driver. Take some deep breaths, check to ensure that you and your passengers are unharmed, and ensure that your car is still in working order. b. Tire damage due to hitting a curb, pothole, or another object can also cause hydroplaning. We know that its easier said than done to stay calm while hydroplaning, but its essential. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. At this point you can see the driver hit the brakes and the car begins to lose control, hits the jersey barrier, and then ricochets back into traffic and flips the truck in the middle lane. Try to find an open space and slowly drive toward it, slightly pressing on the gas and steering gently. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. NOTE: The state provides a helpful document on How to Prepare for Your Test. You should never, under any circumstance, slam on the brake or accelerator pedal while hydroplaning. Maybe thats one of the weirder Georgia driving laws (or rather not laws) out there, but still worth a mention. Georgia has also created a law to slow down and move over for not only the police, but emergency responders, tow truck drivers, and garbage trucks. Additionally, Georgias minimum coverage limits may not be enough to completely cover the other driver if youre in an accident. Due to COVID-19 related precautions, the Georgia DDS is offering a modified, contactless road test. Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry's editorial team. Worn or bald tires have insufficient tread depth to displace the water from the road. Remove your foot from the gas pedal and either put it flat on the floor in front of you, or move it over to the brake pedal.Press Brake Gently Or Not At All To Slowly Reduce Speed And Regain Control. This is due to the tires losing contact with the road surface, which reduces the grip and makes it difficult to control the vehicle. Of course, if the emergency lights for the intersection activate where there are either blinking yellow or red lights, follow those signals. B When water isnt sent to the side, it goes underneath and hydroplaning occurs. Program, Strengthen Your Tribe: A Report on the Atomic Athlete Vanguard, The Best Riddles for Kids (With Answers! Is It OK To Rotate Tires Every 10000 Miles? Hydroplaning can be a frightening experience, as the vehicle can become difficult to control, and the driver may not be able to regain control in time to avoid an accident. Essentially, hydroplaning is when there is too much water on the road and your tires can't scatter it all. Everything's going to be okay.". Leaving the road is always more risky than hitting another vehicle. Hybrid vehicles must undergo smog and emissions checks. Chevrolet Tahoe K1500 Premier Insurance Cost. If you get in a car accident while hydroplaning, it is important to remain calm and follow these steps to ensure your safety: Pull over to a safe location: If possible, safely steer your vehicle to the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot. When Do You Know if You Are Hydroplaning? Once you have regained control of the vehicle, look ahead and adjust the steering to maintain a straight line. on LinkedIn, Articles on this site are to be used for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of an insurance professional. For registration and most title processing applications. Turn on your hazard lights to warn others on the road. When the tires cannot create enough traction, the vehicle will begin to skid across the water's top. How Long Does It Take To Get Car Insurance? Check if you are overpaying for car insurance. A Look into Your Policy, Navigating a Business Insurance Claim: A Comprehensive Guide, Renovating a House Checklist: Dont Miss These Essential Steps, Can You Ride with the Tow Truck Driver? C Taking over-the-counter cold medicine. 3. Most people intuitively know to avoid puddles, drive slowly and brake gently in wet weather, but what else can you do? C The following are tips for what to do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane: The first thing to do is to reduce your speed as quickly as possible. Can I Put Air In My Tires After Using Fix-A-Flat? The following are the causes of hydroplaning: Water on the roadway builds up faster than the tires can disperse it. Taking short breaks before you are drowsy. This will reduce the force of the water pushing against the tires and help to reduce the likelihood of the vehicle spinning out of control. Thats why you should also consider increasing the amount of liability and property damage coverage on your policy or consider personal umbrella insurance. Here are the skills that are evaluated on the driving test in Georgia: Parallel Parking: You'll be asked to park between two spots, and you must be 18 inches from the curb or closer. What to do when hydroplaning Nationwide, Hydroplaning explained: 9 safety tips to keep your vehicle under control Driving Tests. You may even see highway signs that state "Slower traffic, move right.". It is best to drive five to ten miles slower than the speed limit, even slower in heavy rain or windy conditions. What Does The Mountain Snowflake Symbol Mean? Hydroplaning, or aquaplaning, is a dangerous driving condition that occurs when water causes your car's tires to lose contact with the road surface. Headlights can increase your ability to see other cars in the rain, but it can also help other cars see you. Avoid Water Puddles Check The Size Of The Water Pool Drive Through Slowly Exiting The Other Side 4. 3. As soon as the first drops hit your windshield, slow your speed considerably. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should release the gas pedal and never try to brake. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should stay calm and take the following steps. 2: Look for an open space. Panicking makes your brain focus on the situation not the solution. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure youre on an official state website. Hydroplaning is an intense experience. Question: In case your vehicle hydroplanes, what do you need to do? Control traffic and pedestrians When a vehicle suddenly changes direction or speed, the tires can lose traction and slide across the water on the road. [California Commercial Driver Handbook], It a great app to study for your CDL tests, Your email address will not be published. An official website of the State of Georgia. Can You Change Tire Size On The Same Rim? The 5 Detailed Answer by Tran Hue 26/02/2023 Are you looking for an answer to the topic " What should you not do when hydroplaning? What Should Your Tire Pressure Be In The Summer? If you are taking your test in a rental car, be sure you have the agreement as well as the person who is listed on the agreement. The slippery asphalt makes it difficult for your tires to gain enough traction to move forward safely and can cause you to hydroplane. 9. AN ORANGE AND RED SIGN OF THIS SHAPE MEANS: A. Roadwork ahead. C C Counter steer hard. Steering axle weight too light to steer safely D Both A & B 4. The driver then can't control their vehicle. What Is Hydroplaning. You need a score of 75% to pass the road test in Georgia. If your vehicle is a rear-wheel drive without anti-lock brakes, the process when your car hydroplanes is mostly the same. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that conditions are most dangerous within 10 minutes of rainfall and can occur even if youre going 30 miles per hour or less. Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. It's the weekend and I don't have insurance yet. On the other hand, if tires are underinflated, they will be more likely to skid across the water's surface. Plus, the officer may have grounds to issue a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer test if they see an open container. If you need to stop to avoid a collision and your car has an anti-lock braking system.