What should a driver do if the vehicle's tires begin to hydroplane?

Study for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Permit Test. Prepare with interactive quizzes and clear explanations. Get ready for your driving exam!

When a vehicle's tires begin to hydroplane, it means that the tires have lost traction with the road due to water on the surface. In this situation, the correct response is to steer in the direction of the skid. By doing so, the driver helps to realign the vehicle's path and regain control, as hydroplaning can cause the vehicle to slide uncontrollably.

Steering into the skid helps counteract the loss of traction and allows the driver to guide the vehicle back onto a more stable path. This technique promotes the restoration of control over the vehicle's direction, reducing the risk of further skidding or spinning out.

Other actions, such as pressing the accelerator, would only worsen the hydroplaning situation by increasing speed and contributing to a loss of traction. Braking hard can cause the wheels to lock up, making it harder to steer and increasing the chances of losing control. Turning off the engine is not advisable either, as it does not directly assist in regaining traction or control, and could lead to other complications. Thus, the best course of action in the event of hydroplaning is to steer in the direction of the skid.

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