Hydroplaning

Okay, so if you live in the Philadelphia Area and you were travelling to work this morning, you know that THIS^^ is a lie.  And if you've ever driven in something similar to whatever the hell happened this morning, you'd know a little something about hydroplaning.

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between a tire and the road, reducing static friction between rubber and asphalt and creating a sled effect for the vehicle experiencing this phenomenon.

When one experiences hydroplaning in the front of their car, a sudden loss of response can be felt at the wheel due to the lack of aforementioned friction.  On a corner, this can lead to understeer which will effectively lead you straight toward a guard rail if you're not careful, and if your car is front wheel drive you will lose your drive wheels for at least a short moment.

However, on a rear wheel drive car, one may experience oversteer which will effectively send you doing donuts on the highway-- not exactly the most desirable of places to show off your mad drifting skills.

So, now that you all think you're screwed, I'm gonna turn your morning around and tell you otherwise.  Preventative methods are known and they should be used, unless your car is Spiderman.

Firstly, always check your tire pressure, even if you're not driving in the rain, make sure you have adequate tread to displace the built up, standing water in front of your tire, and when you finally start driving, take it slow...like...eh-hem.

Avoid those jerkholes on the road who go 80 in the fast lane when there's four inches of rain per second, and make sure to not steer, or attempt any aggressive throttle or braking inputs when experiencing hydroplaning.  The best way to avoid spinning out is to drift with the direction of the skid!

If you follow these tips, I'm sure you'll be safe.  Until next time, don't die!  :)