To understand why vehicles hydroplane, researchers used both computer models and live simulations and then validated their findings with controlled field tests. In the field work, tires were mounted in a device that let the team vary tire speed and add water to the pavement while sensors along the track recorded the forces on the tires as they moved over water-soaked surfaces.
The tests found that water thickness and vehicle speed both affect hydroplaning risk. Increasing water depth initially raised the risk, but when depth reached about 10 millimetres the chance of hydroplaning began to fall. The researchers explain that very thin layers of water can be harder for tires to break through and so make it difficult to keep contact with the road. For deeper water, hydroplaning risk is highest at the moment the tire first contacts the wet surface, before the tire can push the water away; as the tire disperses the water the risk decreases.
Speed emerged as a key factor: faster tires face greater pressure from water, which can lift them off the road, "It’s very similar to an airplane. You reach a certain speed, and the vehicle lifts," a researcher said. Other important elements include:
- Tire tread patterns
- Tire pressure
- Road surface texture and drainage
Simple actions can reduce risk. Driving slower in rain and replacing worn tires are critical. Pavement changes can also help: for example, Georgia uses a thin surface layer that lets water drain through asphalt instead of pooling. The study appears in Applied Sciences. Source: University of Georgia.
Difficult words
- hydroplane — to slide on a layer of water while movinghydroplaning
- validate — to check and confirm by testsvalidated
- pavement — the hard surface of a road
- disperse — to spread or move water awaydisperses
- drainage — system or process that removes excess water
- pool — to collect and form a small areapooling
- tread — pattern on a tire's surface
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- The study mentions pavement that lets water drain through asphalt. How might this change affect safety on wet roads where you live?
- Which of the listed elements (tire tread, tire pressure, road texture) do you think drivers can control most easily? Explain why.
- The researchers compared hydroplaning to an airplane lifting. Do you find that comparison helpful? Why or why not?
Related articles
Traffic and Pollution in Asian Cities
Traffic congestion in many Asian cities raises pollution, lowers living standards and costs economies money. Cities such as Delhi, Bangkok and Metro Manila are expanding metros, switching to electric vehicles and using pricing and technology to reduce traffic.
Middle East tensions push up US fuel and food costs
Rising tensions in the Middle East have raised global oil prices and are already increasing costs in the United States. Economists say higher energy prices affect gasoline, airfares, supply chains and food, and that efficiency can help.
