What effect does sudden acceleration have when hydroplaning?

When a vehicle is hydroplaning, it loses contact with the road surface and begins to ride on a layer of water. This condition greatly reduces tire traction, making steering and braking ineffective. Sudden acceleration during hydroplaning exacerbates this loss of traction because increasing engine power can cause the tires to lose even more grip on the wet surface.

When the driver suddenly accelerates, the rear tires may spin uncontrollably if they are already struggling against the hydroplaning condition, which can lead to a loss of vehicle control. Maintaining a steady speed or gently easing off the accelerator is essential to regain control, as excessive input from the driver can worsen the hydroplaning situation.

In summary, sudden acceleration worsens loss of traction because it increases the likelihood of tires spinning without gripping the road, which can lead to a dangerous scenario for the driver and passengers.