On wet roads, where should you drive?

Driving in the tire tracks of the vehicle ahead on wet roads is the most effective choice for a variety of reasons. When you follow the path of the vehicle in front of you, you are likely to encounter less water accumulation, which helps to minimize hydroplaning and maintain better traction. The grooves left by the tires create a channel that often allows for better drainage of excess water, thus reducing the likelihood of your own tires losing contact with the road surface.

Moreover, following in the tire tracks can also help you maintain better visibility. By staying in this path, you avoid deeper puddles that could obscure your view or create more hazardous driving conditions. In addition, other vehicles' tires may have already displaced some of the surface water, making it a safer and more stable area to drive in.

Choosing an option like driving in the center of the lane may expose you to greater water buildup. Driving on the shoulder can be hazardous as it is often not designed for travel, and the shoulder might have uneven surfaces or debris. Selecting "anywhere that seems clear" could lead to unsafe choices since water accumulation can vary dramatically, and visibility may significantly decrease. Therefore, using the tire tracks of the vehicle ahead combines safety with practicality in wet driving conditions.