What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?

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Study for the Utah CDL General Knowledge Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions and explanations for each answer. Get ready for your exam!

When your vehicle begins to hydroplane, the most effective action is to release the accelerator. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the road due to a layer of water, causing you to lose traction. By easing off the accelerator, you reduce the vehicle's speed, which can help the tires make contact with the road surface again as the vehicle slows down.

Attempting to brake hard can exacerbate the situation by causing the wheels to lock up, which may lead to a complete loss of control. Turning sharply can also lead to skidding or rolling over, as the vehicle isn't in a stable control position. Accelerating during hydroplaning is counterproductive, as it increases the likelihood of losing control, as the vehicle may slide further instead of regaining traction. Therefore, releasing the accelerator is the safe and effective response to regain control of the vehicle during hydroplaning scenarios.