Final answer:
Hydroplaning is when tires lose traction due to water on the road surface, and to safely handle it, a driver should reduce speed, avoid sudden moves, and wait until the tires regain traction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle's tires ride on top of a layer of water, causing a loss of traction and the inability to respond to control inputs such as steering, braking, or accelerating. It usually happens at higher speeds, where the tire tread cannot displace the water fast enough to maintain contact with the road surface. To handle hydroplaning safely, a driver should follow these steps: reduce speed by easing off the gas, avoid sudden steering maneuvers or braking, and hold the steering wheel steady until the tires regain traction. If the vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), one can brake carefully. If not, avoid braking until the vehicle has slowed and control is regained.