Losing control as a driver is a frightening experience, but a lot of drivers don't know how to properly react.
I went out and spoke to several people recently, and most told me they had no idea what the right thing to do is if they lose control at the wheel.
"I know it's very dangerous, and I know some folks that have gone through that experience," said one driver from Winter Park.
Only one driver I spoke to was willing to talk take a guess on camera: "Hydroplaning? The first thing you should do is slow down."
Is he right? Orlando police Sgt. Rich Ruth explains:
When hydroplaning, in order to maintain traction, your vehicle needs friction, and in order to stop it needs friction. If you're hydroplaning and skidding, you have no friction between your tires and the roadway. So, pressing your brake is actually causing you to lose more control.
The short answer: No, you should not hit the breaks right away.
The best thing you can do is stay calm and wait for the skid to stop. Most skids don't last very long. Then, ease your foot off the gas. Don't accelerate.
Next, start steering the car in the direction you want to go, but be careful not to overcorrect.
Finally, if you must, tap your brakes carefully. Slamming on your brakes will cause your car to do unpredictable things.
Another piece of good advice: Make sure you have good traction left on your tires. It could save your life.
If you have a traffic question, Ryan Harper can answer it. Send him your question.