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South Florida is known for intense summer showers and storms such as those experienced in July 2015. The first ten minutes after a light rain starts to fall is the most dangerous for drivers, according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). The reason for this is that the rain mixes with the oil left on the roadways creating slippery conditions. NHTSA further warns that if there is heavy rain, there may be moving water on the roadway which can cause hydroplaning. At least 10 percent of all accidents can be attributed to rainy weather with over 1.2 million accidents in the United States, at least partially, caused by slick road conditions, often due to hydroplaning.

What is hydroplaning?

SafeMotorist.com defines hydroplaning as a term, "... commonly used to refer to the skidding or sliding of a car's tires across a wet surface. Hydroplaning occurs when a tire encounters more water than it can scatter. Water pressure in the front of the wheel pushes water under the tire, and the tire is then separated from the road surface by a thin film of water and loses traction. The result is loss of steering, braking and power control."

The likelihood, duration and severity of  hydroplaning depends on three factors:

1. Vehicle speed
2. The amount and flow of water
3. The condition of the tires (tread quality and depth)

What to do if you start to hydroplane?

The American Automobile Association's manager of driver training programs in Heathrow, Florida, Bill Van Tassel says, "...to avoid hydroplaning, always make sure your tires have adequate tread and reduce your speed by about one-third in wet conditions. When a vehicle begins to hydroplane:

1. Ease your foot off the accelerator. Don't slam on the brakes. That can make the situation worse. Smoothly easing off the accelerator reduces speed and gradually shifts more of the vehicle's weight to the front tires, which puts them back in contact with the pavement.
2. Look and steer in your desired location. Keep your eyes on the section of road where you want to go. Then, if you need to, start to squeeze the brakes gently.
3. Watch out. Hydroplaning usually happens during heavy rain but can occur anytime pavement is wet."

Tires play a major role in causing, or not causing, hydroplaning. Maintaining and replacing tires when needed is extremely important for drivers of all vehicles. The U.S. National Institute of Health says that tires need to be replaced when tire tread depths become unsafe. Both state and federal law mandates certain tire tread depths for cars and trucks. Most states, including Florida, require that tires on all passenger vehicles have a minimum of at least 2/32 inch tread measurable in all major grooves, and all school buses and commercial vehicles must have a minimum of  4/32 inch tread measurable in all major grooves on the front tires. However, because of Florida's weather patterns, Consumer Reports and Continental Tires recommend that tires be replaced on all vehicles when the tread depth reaches 4/32nds of an inch, as opposed to 2/32nds.

"When individuals and companies do not replace worn tires, and the tires contribute to a crash injuring others, they may be held liable in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits," says Fort Myers Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. " If you or a loved one has been injured in a hydroplaning accident, contact our firm to determine your rights."

Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.