Although we know why hydroplaning occurs in a scientific and mechanical sense, what you may not know is that many Huntsville truck accidents involving hydroplaning are entirely preventable. Risk management company Lytx discusses the techniques truck drivers should take when met with wet driving conditions: Slowing down. Truckers should know how to adjust their speed when driving in rainy conditions to avoid hydroplaning. Per Lytx, “There is no universally agreed definition, but most industry experts agree that hydroplaning is more likely when vehicles exceed 35 mph in wet conditions.” Avoiding large puddles. Both during and after a storm, commercial truck drivers should avoid standing water. Drivers should never assume they know the depth of a puddle, and any amount of water could cause hydroplaning in the right conditions. Lytx recommends, “avoid outer lanes and drive in the tracks left by vehicles in front of you.” Maintaining tires. As mentioned previously, all vehicles must have proper treads to grip the road in every weather condition. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) requires all commercial trucks to have a tread of at least 2/32 of an inch “when measured at any point on a major tread groove.” In some cases, front wheel tires must have tread depth of at least 4/32 of an inch. Refraining from cruise control in inclement weather. Cruise control and other semi-autonomous driving systems may not properly or reliably detect wet roadways. Truckers should retain full control of their vehicles in wet conditions. Staying alert. Part of being a responsible truck driver means not only staying awake and alert, but up to date on changing weather conditions. Both drivers and their supervisors (or fleet owners) should be aware of weather situations and plan routes accordingly, ensuring tires and vehicles are ready to make a trip.