Which factor contributes most to the risk of hydroplaning?

The factor that contributes most to the risk of hydroplaning is weather conditions. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires of a vehicle and the road surface, leading to a loss of traction. When weather conditions are rainy or wet, especially if there are standing water or excessive puddles, the likelihood of hydroplaning increases significantly.

In such conditions, tires may not be able to displace the water quickly enough, resulting in the vehicle skimming over the water rather than staying in contact with the road. This effect can be exacerbated by factors such as the intensity of rainfall and the duration of wet weather, which can lead to more stagnant water on the roadway.

While other factors such as the type of vehicle, road surface, and driver experience do play roles in vehicle handling and safety, the immediate and direct influence of weather conditions makes them the most critical factor regarding the risk of hydroplaning.