If your vehicle starts to lose traction because of water on the road, you should:
- Drive at a constant speed to gain better traction.
- Apply the brakes firmly to prevent your vehicle from sliding.
- Slow down gradually and not apply the brakes. ✓
Answer: C. Slow down gradually and not apply the brakes.
Slow down gradually and do not apply the brakes when water makes you start to lose traction.
Why this is the answer
The handbook's hydroplaning section says that when your tires are riding on water, braking or a small steering change can throw the vehicle into a skid. If hydroplaning starts, it tells you to reduce speed little by little and to keep off the brakes, because sudden braking can cost you control. That matches slowing down gradually while leaving the brake pedal alone. The skid section gives the same basic instruction: ease off the accelerator and do not brake.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Drive at a constant speed to gain better traction. — Keeping a constant speed does not address the water that caused the tires to lose contact; the handbook says to slow down gradually instead.
- B. Apply the brakes firmly to prevent your vehicle from sliding. — Firm braking is specifically warned against during hydroplaning because sudden braking can make you lose control of the vehicle.
Remember it
When water lifts your tires, treat the brakes as off-limits and let your speed drop little by little.
Official handbook: California Driver Handbook (DL 600), Section 8: Safe Driving, p. 62