What action should you take if you encounter ponded water while driving?

When encountering ponded water while driving, the most advisable action is to avoid driving through it if possible. This approach is important because water accumulation can conceal potholes, debris, and other hazards on the road that might be dangerous to your vehicle. Additionally, driving through standing water can lead to hydroplaning, where your tires lose contact with the road, making it difficult to control your vehicle and increasing the risk of accidents.

By not driving through ponded water, you also help to prevent potential damage to your vehicle's engine and electrical systems, which can occur if water is sucked into the engine's air intake. Therefore, steering clear of standing water is the safest choice, as it helps ensure both your safety and the safety of others on the road.

The other options may not be the safest course of action; driving through it cautiously still assumes some risk of losing traction, while speeding up contradicts safe driving practices designed to reduce the likelihood of hydroplaning. Turning around immediately might be an option in certain circumstances, but it may not always be practical depending on road conditions and personal judgment. Hence, avoiding the water entirely remains the optimal solution.