Final answer:
It is false that a driver should quickly apply the brakes when hydroplaning; rather, the driver should gently ease off the accelerator and steer in the intended direction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a driver should quickly apply the brakes if a vehicle starts to skid on water, also known as hydroplaning, is false. Instead, the correct action is to gently lift off the accelerator and steer straight or in the direction you want to go. Braking can cause a loss of control, especially if the vehicle is not equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS). For vehicles with ABS, gentle brake application may be appropriate, but the primary focus should remain on maintaining control and steering.
When a vehicle starts to skid on water, it is experiencing hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when there is a thin layer of water between the tires and the road surface. In this situation, applying the brakes suddenly can cause the tires to lock up and make the skid worse.
Instead, the driver should ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction they want the vehicle to go. This helps to regain control by reducing speed and increasing traction. Once the vehicle is no longer skidding, the brakes can be gently applied to slow down.