Hinesville often has car crashes, but having multiple crashes will always be shocking. Take, for example, the weekend of Nov. 29, when three different crashes resulted in police heading into the local area.
The Hinesville Police Department had to respond to three crashes, one of which involved a roll-over crash, another that involved a hit-and-run driver and a third that involved hydroplaning, just like the first.
Hydroplaning seems to be a problem locally, so now is a good time to talk about it. It’s best to avoid it, but it’s not always possible to do so. Drivers should know how to maneuver if their vehicle starts to hydroplane, so they don’t cause a car crash.
What should you do if you start to hydroplane?
If you begin to hydroplane, there are three things that you should do. The steps include:
- Staying calm
- Avoiding braking or accelerating suddenly
- Reacting appropriately to the vehicles around you
To start with, you do need to stay calm. Getting upset or anxious is only likely to result in making poor decisions. Instead, try your best to stay calm and look around. Do you see other vehicles near you? Is there a direction that you need to go?
If you’re ready to drive out of the hydroplane, remember not to brake or accelerate suddenly. Your tires need to gain traction again, so try to steer toward the side of the road or a clear lane. If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, use your acceleration to guide you, unless your ABS or traction controls aren’t working.
To avoid hydroplaning in the future, try to avoid puddles or moving water on the road. You can also replace your tires or make sure the tread is deep enough to maintain traction when water makes the roads slick.
Even though you may be able to avoid a crash due to hydroplaning, other drivers may not. If you or a loved one is injured in such a crash, you have a right to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages. An experienced attorney can explain your legal options.