Winter is starting to fade away, leaving many New Jersey motorists jumping for joy as spring is just around the corner. And while winter can be one of the riskiest seasons for motorists, spring comes with its own set of dangers. As the snow begins to melt and rain begins to fall, this can spell trouble for anyone behind the wheel.

One of the biggest risks drivers can face during these conditions is hydroplaning.

Hydroplaning typically happens when a car’s tires can’t keep up with the amount of water underneath it. Sadly, this can cause the tires to lose traction with the road’s surface due to residue from the road’s surface that can float to the top of the water. These circumstances can make it harder for drivers to control their vehicles, which could result in a crash.

If I start hydroplaning, how can I stop?

Three factors often contribute to hydroplaning: speed, tread depth and water depth. The faster a person drives, the more likely they are to experience hydroplaning. If drivers do begin hydroplaning, here’s what they can do to regain control of their vehicles:

• Avoid sudden braking or accelerating: As hydroplaning results from a loss of traction in the front tires, slamming on the brakes stops the rear tires but locks the rear tires. Unfortunately, this can result in a potential spinout. Increasing speed can also be dangerous, especially if the car is near the edge of a roadway. Instead, professionals suggest drivers find water-free space on the road and try to steer towards it slowly.
• Turn off cruise control: Hydroplaning can be especially dangerous on the highway. If drivers are using cruise control and they begin to hydroplane, they may want to turn it off. Cruise control may try to give the vehicle more power when it gets caught, causing the car to shift into a lower gear. Unfortunately, this can allow more water to build up under the tires.

Even the most experienced drivers can fall victim to hydroplaning. Unfortunately, it’s still the result of countless crashes around the state this time of year. If you or a loved one got hurt in a collision due to hydroplaning, you might want to seek compensation from a trusted legal partner.