Which practice best reduces the risk of loss of control on wet surfaces?

• A. Increase speed to clear water quickly.
• B. Maintain the same braking style regardless of surface.
• C. Reduce speed and avoid hard braking or sharp steering on wet surfaces.
• D. Only use parking brake on wet surfaces.

Answer: (C)

On wet surfaces, tire grip is reduced, so maintaining control comes from slow, smooth inputs rather than forceful moves. Slowing down gives you more time to react and increases your stopping distance, while gentle braking and gradual steering prevent abrupt weight transfer that can break traction. By easing into braking and steering, you’re less likely to lock wheels or skid and you maintain better steering control if a hazard appears. The other practices raise the risk: speeding up makes hydroplaning more likely and reduces your ability to react; sticking to the same braking style ignores the reduced traction; and using the parking brake on wet roads can cause rear-wheel lock and a loss of steering control.