Aquaplaning (also known as hydroplaning) happens when all four wheels of a vehicle lose traction / grip with the road surface due to the quantity of water on it, and the driver loses control as the vehicle skids or ‘aquaplanes’ sideways.
Often the back of the vehicle will sway from side to side, steering will be impossible, and the final resting position of the vehicle will be impossible to predict. It can be hard for road to assess the depth of water that has accumulated on roads, and it is therefore critically important during torrential rain and flooding for drivers to slow down, and allow for at least double the normal stopping / braking distance.
Aquaplaning Happens When Tyres Lose Grip on Road Surface
Aquaplaning accidents normally occur when a vehicle is travelling above 40mph in wet weather, and particularly when drivers are turning or pulling out to overtake, i.e. not travelling in a straight line. Manoeuvering the wheels can allow too much water to enter the tire tread, which cannot channel it away fast enough to provide grip, causing the vehicle to skid. This is particular risk when tyre pressure is too high or when tyres are worn – in both cases the condition of the tyres means they will not grip the road surface as well as they should.
Tyre Tread Depth and Pressure Checks
Make sure to regularly check the tread depth of your tyres and replace them when they are worn. This will guarantee maximum traction and grip. Change your tyres before your tread depth is worn to 1.6mm (the legal limit in the UK). Your safety and mobility depend on a good level of tread depth because the tread grooves disperse water from underneath your tyre, helping maintain control. The more tread depth you have remaining on your tyres the more water they can disperse, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.
Correct tyre pressure also reduces the risk of losing control of your vehicle. It also protects your tyres from premature wear and irreversible damage to the internal construction. Check the pressure of your tyres (including your spare) monthly and before any long journey, preferably when your tyres are cold. It is important to check the pressure once a month, because under or over inflation can reduce the life of your tyres, affect their performance and increase the risk of damage.
The recommended tyre pressure can be found in the user manual of your vehicle, on a label on the door or door frame of the vehicle, or on the inside of the fuel flap. The inflation pressure shown on the tyre sidewall is the maximum tyre inflation pressure. Balance and wheel alignment should also be checked.
Are Drivers Always Responsible for Aquaplaning Accidents?
Aquaplaning is common during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding. In certain circumstances, the Highway Authority may be held responsible and legally liable for an aquaplaning road traffic accident, if, for example, the local council was aware of drainage problems on a road but had failed to initiate repairs within a reasonable time-frame, particularly if the road in question was an important one, with a comparatively high volume of traffic, and a large volume of water had accumulated on it. Generally, however, road users will be expected to adapt their driving behaviour to deal with the prevailing weather and the resulting condition of the road.
Drivers Must Slow Down and Drive Carefully During Wet Conditions
While aquaplaning is an unfortunate occurrence for the driver of the vehicle involved and their passengers, when a driver loses control of their vehicle and goes into an uncontrollable skid, colliding with another vehicle, the accident is usually their fault. The main responsibility of drivers during wet weather conditions is to slow down and drive cautiously. When drivers fail to do so, they are endangering other road users, and will be legally liable for any resulting injuries and damage caused by their reckless driving.
Solicitors Claiming Compensation for Aquaplaning Accidents
Over the last 40 years Bartletts Solicitors has successfully claimed compensation for 1,000’s of road users injured due to reckless and negligent driving, including those involved in aquaplaning accidents. Bartletts have a tradition of commitment, hard work, and the highest levels of expertise in advising people injured due to reckless driving on their legal rights. Client care is our highest priority. Our specialist solicitors ensure that you are always kept up to date with every aspect of your case, and we aim obtain the maximum amount of damages for our clients with the minimum of fuss.
Make a free compensation enquiry today
For specialist advice on your personal injury claim, call us now on Liverpool 0151 227 3391 or Chester 01244 645830 or Wrexham 01978 360056 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and we will soon be in touch.
