The recent torrential rain has caused chaotic floods in Britain, with roads closing and cars floating away and becoming submerged. Driving through floods can be a very treacherous and dangerous business, and could potentially be fatal. Floods can occur when an unusual amount of rain causes rivers to burst their banks, or drainage to become saturated and overflow. Here are some tips to help you negotiate the floods:
- Avoid driving through water unless you absolutely have to. If there have been flood warnings issued, check your local news agency for any blockages on your route. Cars can start to float in as little as one foot of water, and two feet of moving water can sweep away most vehicles.
- If there is no other way, approach with caution. If possible, try to gauge how deep the water is. You could do this by parking up and watching others as they drive through it. Potholes in the road could mean a dip and deeper water, so drive in the middle where the water is likely to be shallower.
- Drive slowly. It’s illegal in Britain to drive at speed through water and you could end up with a fine and points on your license. It is inconsiderate both to other cars whose visibility will be impaired because of it, but you could also soak a pedestrian to the bone. It could also be expensive for you, as you could inflict damage when water gets into your engine.
- Driving fast through standing water is dangerous too. Tyres could aquaplane, where water builds between the tyres and the road, and you lose grip and steering control.
- As you drive slowly through standing water, keep the engine revving by slipping the clutch, otherwise water in the exhaust could stall the engine.
- Check your brakes as soon as you are out of the water and whilst still driving slowly, be prepared to drive them off by touching the brake pedal very lightly with your left foot.
- If you break down, make sure you do not open the bonnet as you do not want water in your engine because it’ll be more difficult to start.
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