What should you do when driving through water on the road?

When driving through water on the road, slightly applying the brake is a prudent choice for several reasons. This action helps to keep the brake pads in contact with the rotors, which can aid in drying them out after passing through water. Wet brakes can reduce their effectiveness; thus, keeping them engaged slightly after going through a water section helps ensure that they remain effective when needed.

In addition, slightly applying the brake allows the driver to maintain better control of the vehicle as water can cause hydroplaning. By using the brakes slightly, drivers can help manage their speed and stability while negotiating wet surfaces. This caution is particularly important in maintaining traction and steering control.

Other options do not address the need for control and stability when encountering water. Speeding up to maintain momentum can lead to hydroplaning, as higher speeds on wet surfaces reduce the tire's contact with the road. Steering sharply to avoid large puddles might be dangerous, as sudden movements can cause loss of control, especially on slippery roads. Driving straight without any brake application ignores the potential for decreased braking effectiveness and the traction loss that may occur in water.