Texas Defensive Driving Written Practice Test 2026 - Free Defensive Driving Practice Questions and Study Guide

To avoid hydroplaning on wet roads, reducing speed and increasing tire pressure are crucial factors. When driving in rainy conditions, water can accumulate on the surface of the road, creating a layer between your tires and the pavement. If the tires are not making sufficient contact with the road, this can lead to hydroplaning, where the vehicle essentially skims over the water instead of maintaining traction.

By reducing speed, you give your tires a better chance to displace the water in front of them, enhancing their grip on the road. Slower speeds reduce the risk of losing control that can occur at higher speeds during heavy rain.

Increasing tire pressure is also important because properly inflated tires can maintain their shape better and improve contact with the road surface. Under-inflated tires are more likely to flex and cannot displace water efficiently, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning.

The other options do not promote safety in wet conditions. Driving faster would increase the risk of losing control, using cruise control can lead to unintentional acceleration on slick roads, and not maintaining adequate distance from other vehicles can lead to collisions in the event of sudden loss of control. Hence, the combination of reducing speed and ensuring correct tire pressure is key to avoiding hydroplaning.