Aquaplaning is one of the most underestimated risks on British roads. It is not rare, nor confined to dramatic floods. It is a predictable hazard that can be prevented with knowledge, preparation, and sound driving practice.

Aquaplaning is not a theoretical risk. Road traffic collisions in Great Britain resulted in 132,977 casualties of all severities in 2023, with speed and wet conditions frequently cited as contributory factors. While aquaplaning is not separately categorised in national statistics, it is a recognised mechanism within collisions where speed and surface water are present. Every incident represents a preventable loss.

Understanding Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning occurs when water builds beneath a tyre faster than the tread can disperse it. The tyre lifts from the road surface, eliminating friction. At that moment, steering, braking, and acceleration are ineffective. The driver has no control until the tyres reconnect with the road.

Aquaplaning does not require deep water. It can occur in everyday conditions such as:

• Standing water in wheel tracks or depressions
• Puddles forming near kerbs
• Heavy rainfall on worn or polished tarmac
• A thin film of water encountered at speed
• Even a few millimetres of water can be sufficient to cause aquaplaning.

Contributing Factors: What Makes Aquaplaning More Likely?

Several factors increase the likelihood of aquaplaning:

• Excessive speed relative to conditions (the primary determinant)
• Reduced tread depth below the UK legal minimum of 1.6 mm
• Incorrect tyre pressure impairing water dispersal
• Abrupt steering or braking inputs on wet surfaces
• Speed is the most significant factor. According to Pirelli, aquaplaning risk reduces substantially below 35 mph.

Recognising Aquaplaning and How to React

Drivers should remain vigilant for the characteristic signs that aquaplaning has begun. A common early indicator is that the steering feels unusually light, as though the tyres are no longer firmly connected to the road surface. The vehicle may then begin to glide or drift, responding less to the driver’s intended path. Another warning sign is a sudden rise in engine revs without any corresponding increase in speed, reflecting the loss of traction. In more advanced stages, the wheels fail to respond to steering input altogether, leaving the driver unable to influence direction or stability.

These are the observable symptoms of aquaplaning. Once they are present, effective control has already been lost until the tyres regain contact with the road. Recognising these cues promptly is essential, as it allows the driver to avoid compounding the situation with abrupt or inappropriate reactions.

What Not to Do

Certain instinctive reactions can worsen the hazard:

• Do not brake sharply
• Do not steer aggressively
• Do not accelerate suddenly
• Each of these actions destabilises the vehicle further and increases the risk of a spin.

Recommended Action during Aquaplaning

The safest course of action is calm and measured:

• Ease off the accelerator gradually
• Keep the steering straight
• Remain composed until the tyres reconnect with the road surface
• Only then make gentle adjustments to speed or direction

Prevention Strategies

Aquaplaning is a preventable hazard when drivers adopt proactive measures. The most immediate safeguard is to reduce speed in heavy rain, since higher speeds increase the likelihood of tyres losing contact with the road surface.[1]^,[2]

Tyres are critical to prevention. Drivers should check tread depth regularly and replace tyres before reaching the legal minimum, as worn tread cannot disperse water effectively and increases the risk of aquaplaning[3]^,[4]. Maintaining manufacturer-recommended tyre pressures is equally important, because under-inflated tyres reduce grip and stability on wet roads.[5],[6]

Avoiding standing water wherever possible is another key measure, as puddles and surface water are common triggers for aquaplaning. Increasing the following distance provides additional time to react and stop safely, which is essential in wet conditions where braking distances are longer.[7],[8]

Finally, drivers should remain attentive to changes in road surface and drainage, since poor drainage or uneven surfaces can quickly lead to water build-up and loss of traction.[9]

Conclusion

Aquaplaning is a hazard rooted in physics, not luck. With awareness, preparation, and appropriate driving behaviour, it can be avoided. It is therefore important to equip yourself with the skills to recognise, manage, and prevent aquaplaning. Safe driving is about foresight and responsibility. Your tyres cannot grip water. Respect the rain, reduce your speed, and stay in control.

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[1] RAC Drive (2025). What is aquaplaning and how to avoid it. Available at: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/understanding-aquaplaning/ (Accessed: 23 November 2025).

[2] The AA (n.d.). What is aquaplaning and how can I avoid it?. Available at: https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/advice/what-is-aquaplaning (Accessed: 23 November 2025).

[3] Big On Tyres (2025). The Complete Guide to Tyre Tread Depth & UK Law. Available at: https://www.bigontyres.co.uk/the-complete-guide-to-tyre-tread-depth-uk-law/ (Accessed: 23 November 2025).

[4] RoSPA (2024). Tyre Safety Factsheet. Available at: https://www.rospa.com/siteassets/pages/road-safety/road-safety-information/vehicle-safety/car-safety/tyre-safety-factsheet-feb24.pdf (Accessed: 23 November 2025).

[5] Continental Tyres (n.d.). Aquaplaning – causes and prevention. Available at: https://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/tyre-knowledge/aquaplaning/ (Accessed: 23 November 2025).

[6] Advanced Driving Coach (2024). The dangers of aquaplaning and how to avoid it. Available at: https://advanceddrivingcoach.co.uk/the-dangers-of-aquaplaning-and-how-to-avoid-it (Accessed: 23 November 2025).

[7] Whatlington Garage (2022). Aquaplaning, how do we avoid it?. Available at: https://www.whatlingtongarage.co.uk/aquaplaning-how-do-we-avoid-it/ (Accessed: 23 November 2025).

[8] F1 Autocentres (2025). How to prevent aquaplaning: risks, causes and driving tips. Available at: https://www.f1autocentres.co.uk/news/aquaplaning-risks-causes-and-driving-tips (Accessed: 23 November 2025).

[9] Leasys (2025). Aquaplaning: What It Is and How to Avoid It. Available at: https://www.leasys.com/uk/english/blog/driver_safety_understanding_and_preventing_aquaplaning (Accessed: 23 November 2025).