Final answer:
Drivers should slow down to avoid hydroplaning, as this reduces the chance of tires losing contact with the road. Understanding the transition from kinetic to static friction during braking is essential to maintain control and stop smoothly. Therefore, option correct answer A .slow down.
Step-by-step explanation:
To avoid traction loss from hydroplaning, drivers should slow down. When a vehicle hydroplanes, its tires lose contact with the road surface and skim across a layer of water, which can lead to a loss of control.
Slowing down decreases the likelihood of hydroplaning because it lessens the force of the water pushing against the tires, allowing the tire treads to channel water away more effectively. Braking suddenly or maintaining a constant speed can exacerbate the problem.
Understanding the relationship between static and kinetic friction helps to explain how braking appropriately can prevent hydroplaning. Static friction is the friction that exists between a stationary object and the surface it's on, while kinetic friction occurs once the object starts moving.
As a car slows down, it's important to ease off the brakes just before coming to a complete stop to transition smoothly from kinetic to static friction and avoid a jarring stop. This practice ensures that the tires maintain grip with the road surface, maximizing static friction, and preventing skidding or hydroplaning.
Therefore, option a is the correct answer A .slow down.