Delaware Defensive Driving Practice Test 2025 - Free Defensive Driving Practice Questions and Study Guide

Reducing speed during rain and avoiding puddles is the best way to prevent hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds between the tires of a vehicle and the road surface, causing the tires to lose contact with the road. This can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle. By slowing down when driving in rainy conditions, you decrease the likelihood of your tires encountering enough water that they cannot effectively displace it, thus maintaining better traction and control. Additionally, avoiding puddles is crucial since they can create a greater depth of water leading to hydroplaning.

The other options are not advisable in the context of preventing hydroplaning. Increasing speed in rain would only exacerbate the risk, as the tires would have a harder time clearing water from their contact patches. Driving in the dark presents its own challenges, but it does not directly relate to hydroplaning. Finally, using cruise control in wet conditions can be dangerous because it may not allow the driver to react quickly enough if hydroplaning begins, as cruise control takes over acceleration and can hinder the driver’s ability to slow down or regain control rapidly.