What should a driver do after passing through water?

After passing through water, riding your brakes for a while is advisable to ensure optimal braking performance. When vehicles traverse through water, especially if it is deep enough to reach the brake components, the brakes may become less effective due to water interference. By gently applying the brakes while driving straight, the friction can help remove any water from the brake pads and rotors. This action helps restore their normal functionality, ensuring the driver maintains control over the vehicle and can stop effectively when needed.

Accelerating quickly can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, particularly in wet conditions. Changing lanes immediately may not be safe as visibility could be reduced and could lead to accidents if other vehicles are nearby. Turning on hazard lights is generally meant for indicating a stationary hazard rather than being beneficial after passing through water. Therefore, gently engaging the brakes is the safest and most practical approach.