Mommy’s Guide to Cars & Tires

What to do in Wet Conditions

Hydroplaning

Everyone has encountered areas of standing water while driving in wet road conditions. Usually you feel a minor resistance and continue on your way. However, this standing water, given the right situation, can cause your car to rise up and slide out of control. Learning the proper techniques to regain control can help you avoid an accident.

• Always keep your tires properly inflated and in good condition.
• Slow down during wet weather.
• Stay out of lanes that appear to have standing water.
• If you begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the car to go.
• Don’t make sudden turns.
• When you need to stop or slow your vehicle, do it slowly to prevent skidding.

Vehicle Submersion

This water situation can be one of the scariest scenarios a motorist can face. Although it’s not one of the most common types of accidents, knowing what to do can save your life and the lives of your passengers. First, try to stay calm. Although this will be difficult, it is the key to survival in any submersion situation.

If your vehicle floats for a few minutes:

• Quickly unbuckle your seat belt.
• Roll down your window and get out.
• Don’t waste time trying to open the door of the vehicle. Pressure from the water will prevent the door from opening.

If your vehicle sinks immediately:

• Keep your seat belt on until you exit the vehicle. It can help steady you as you try to open a door or break a window as well as prevent rushing water from trapping you in the vehicle.
• If you have power locks and windows, break a window with a spring-loaded center punch (available at any hardware store) or an escape hammer (available) in most auto parts stores). If you do not have a tool to break a window, you can kick out a side window.
• Remember you can only break the side windows as the front and rear windshields are made of tempered glass and are very difficult to break.
• If you have manual locks and windows, make sure the doors are unlocked and wait until the water level has equalized on both sides of the vehicle before trying to open the door.
• While you wait for pressure to equalize, keep your shoes on and remove any heavy garments that will weigh you down and cause you to sink.
• If you cannot open any windows or doors, there will be a small air pocket near the part of the vehicle that is highest in the water. Move to this location, take a deep breath and kick a side window.

Once you have cleared an opening, now is the time to unlock your seat belt and get out of the vehicle. It is always a good idea to practice emergency situations like these with your family, especially if you live near large bodies of water. It could save a life!
Sources: NSC.org and NationalSafetyCommission.com

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Other articles from this issue:

• What You Should Know About Tires
• How to Read a Sidewall
• Know the Correct Tire Pressure
• Tire Maintenance 101
• Top Maintenance Tips Every Mom Should Know
• Car Cleaning & Detailing
• Money-Saving Driving Habits
• Pump up the Gas Savings
• Car Safety Basics for the Whole Family
• Are You Prepared for the Unexpected?
• What to do in Wet Conditions