Final answer:
To avoid hydroplaning, the best practice for a motorist is to drive in the tire tracks of previous vehicles, at a reduced ideal speed, to maintain maximum traction and control.
Step-by-step explanation:
To avoid hydroplaning, a motorist should drive on the part of the road where there is the least amount of water build-up, typically the tracks created by the tires of previous vehicles. This can provide more traction and reduce the risk of hydroplaning. When a car encounters a patch of ice, as noted in the given reference, there is a very low coefficient of kinetic friction which can cause the car to slide off the road. The ideal path a motorist should take is to follow with caution, at a reduced ideal speed, to ensure that the vehicle can turn safely without relying solely on friction between the tire and the road.
As indicated in the references, more friction is generally desirable on slippery surfaces to maintain control, such as using tires designed for icy conditions which create more friction with the road than standard summer tires. Similarly, race car drivers seek to maximize friction by cutting corners to take the curve at the highest possible safe speed.