Precipitation in recent days may cause large amounts of water to accumulate on the road. In such conditions, the risk of aquaplaning increases, warns the Norwegian Road Traffic Center.
Aquaplaning is a phenomenon that occurs when the layer of water on the road is thick enough to cause the vehicle's tires to lose traction with the road surface and cause the vehicle to lose control. Specifically, when a water wedge is formed where the tire contacts the ground and the tire tread cannot drain the water under the wheel, we are dealing with aquaplaning. This is dangerous for many reasons:
- Loss of Control: When your vehicle's tires lose grip on the road due to aquaplaning, the driver loses control above the vehicle. This may lead to uncontrolled skidding and a collision with another vehicle, an obstacle or an accident.
- Longer stopping distances: A vehicle that is in a state of aquaplaning has a significantly longer stopping distance because the tires are unable to effectively transmit braking forces on wet surfaces.
- Risk of losing wheel traction: Aquaplaning often causes a loss of traction on both the front and rear tires, making it even more difficult to control the vehicle.
- Difficulty maneuvering: The driver may have difficulty maneuvering the vehicle in aquaplaning conditions, which may make it impossible to avoid obstacles on the road or change lanes. Aquaplaning can make all the difference in keeping your vehicle on the right path and maintaining stability.
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Norwegian Road Traffic Center
– In places where water does not drain easily from the road, “pools” may form on the road. There is now an increased risk of aquaplaning in such places, says Ole Christian Leerstang, section manager of the Norwegian Road Traffic Center. They are responsible for traffic monitoring and management in Agder, Vestfold and Telemark and Buskerud. Along the coast, heavy rainfall was reported in some cases over the coming days throughout the area.
– In some places on the road, "water reservoirs" may suddenly appear and it is easy to get lost control of the car. That's why it's important to adjust your speed to the conditions you're in, says Leerstang. He says aquaplaning can also be done in flood plains because it can occur inland, in areas where rain will soon turn to snow.
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