Bad weather, skids and hydroplaning

Key points

1. You need much more following space on wet roads than dry, and even more on snow or ice.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “the space needed between you and the car in front of you is much greater on wet roads than in dry roads.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

2. Avoid slamming on the brakes. Without anti lock brakes, pump them to prevent skidding.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “If your vehicle does not have an anti-lock braking system, pump the brakes to prevent skidding.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

3. Ramps and bridges freeze before roads.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “Ramps and bridges freeze before roads. Also, plowed roads may refreeze at night”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

4. There is no completely safe speed on ice and snow.

   Source: Handbook p. 29

   “There is no such thing as a "completely safe" speed on ice and snow.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 29

5. In a skid, release the gas or brake pedal you are using.

   Source: Handbook p. 29

   “Release the accelerator (gas pedal) or brake pedal, whichever one you are using, to regain control of your vehicle.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 29

6. Steer in the direction you are skidding and look where you want to go.

   Source: Handbook p. 29

   “Steer in the direction you are skidding. Look where you want your vehicle to go.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 29

7. Brake only after your tires grip the road again.

   Source: Handbook p. 29

   “Press on your brake pedal only after you have traction again”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 29

8. If you hydroplane, take your foot off the gas, do not brake, and keep going straight.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “Take your foot off the gas. Do not apply your brakes. Keep your vehicle going straight.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 30

3 questions from the Maryland practice test

1. 1. If your vehicle begins to skid, which action helps you regain control?

   1. Turn sharply away from the direction of the skid
   2. Press the brake pedal harder immediately
   3. Release the accelerator or brake pedal you are using
   4. Accelerate rapidly before looking ahead
   Show answer

   Release the accelerator or brake pedal you are using. A skid means the tires have lost some grip, so removing the current accelerator or brake input helps the vehicle regain control. After releasing that input, steer in the direction of the skid and look where you want the vehicle to go. Braking harder can prolong the slide, and a sharp turn away from the skid can make the loss of control worse. Rapid acceleration is not the general first response. Once the tires grip the road again, braking can resume if needed. The cue is to restore traction before demanding another maneuver.

2. 2. Which steering response is recommended if a vehicle begins to skid?

   1. Steer hard in the opposite direction
   2. Steer in the direction of the skid
   3. Close your eyes and hold the wheel rigidly
   4. Turn toward the nearest lane without releasing the pedals
   Show answer

   Steer in the direction of the skid. When a vehicle starts sliding, steering in the direction of the skid helps the driver work with the vehicle's movement and regain control. Also release the accelerator or brake pedal being used, look where the vehicle should go, and wait to brake until the tires have traction again. A hard turn in the opposite direction can produce another slide or a spin. Keeping pedal pressure while changing direction ignores the loss of grip. Smooth inputs give the tires a chance to reconnect with the road surface.

3. 3. On a wet road, what braking practice helps reduce the risk of a skid?

   1. Brake hard and turn sharply to regain traction
   2. Avoid slamming on the brakes; pump them if the vehicle lacks ABS
   3. Keep braking firmly until the tires begin to slide
   4. Release the steering wheel and let the vehicle choose its path
   Show answer

   Avoid slamming on the brakes; pump them if the vehicle lacks ABS. On wet or otherwise inclement roads, Maryland advises avoiding a hard brake application because it can cause a skid. A vehicle without anti-lock brakes should have its brakes pumped to help prevent skidding. The choice calling for maximum repeated braking in every vehicle ignores the ABS distinction. The practical cue is smooth control: increase following space, reduce speed, and use the braking technique suited to the vehicle's equipment.

Source: the Maryland Driver's Manual, Section 5: Driving Situations and Conditions. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.