What condition is primarily responsible for hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs primarily when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water forming in front of the tires, preventing them from gripping the road. High speed is a critical factor because, at elevated speeds, the tires do not have enough time to push the water out of the way, allowing for that layer of water to form. As speed increases, the amount of water that must be displaced also increases, raising the likelihood of hydroplaning.

While low tire pressure can contribute to reduced traction and handling, it’s not the primary condition leading to hydroplaning. Driving on gravel can impact vehicle stability but doesn't directly relate to hydroplaning, which is specifically a loss of traction on wet surfaces. Similarly, carrying a heavy load may affect braking distance and vehicle handling, but it is not the primary cause of hydroplaning. Thus, high speed is the most significant condition that leads to this phenomenon.