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"Driving In Flood Waters -
Driving Through Flood Waters"
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Driving In Flood Waters
Driving Through Flood Waters
Driving In A Downpour
In heavy rain visibility is greatly reduced, so driving with headlights on is
advisable.
Stopping distance is lengthened on wet surfaces, so maintaining a greater
distance between your vehicle and the one in front is important, as well as
driving at a reduced speed.
The risks of aqua-planing are greatly increased in flood conditions. As you
would when driving in the rain, remember to drive further back from the vehicle
in front than you would in dry conditions.
Driving When The Roads Are Flooded
Common sense dictates it's always best to avoid driving if roads are flooded.
However, if your journey is unavoidable there are certain things to bear in
mind when underway.
Drive slowly and evenly in first gear, as deceleration can cause water to
travel up the exhaust. Maintain a speed whereby a small bow wave is formed at
the front of the car.
Avoid driving on submerged stretches of road especially if there are oncoming
vehicles. Seven inches of flood water will cover the underside of most
road going vehicles, leading to a loss of steering and engine cut out. One foot
of food water will cause most vehicles to float.
If water enters the air intake system substantial damage can occur. Catalytic
converters, which operate at high temperatures and are expensive to replace,
can become cracked. Therefore it is best to avoid travelling through water if
you are unsure how deep it is. Flood water may be deeper than it
appears.
If the worst occurs, and your car stalls, for your own safety leave the
vehicle. Most flood-related injuries are to drivers and their passengers.
When it is safe to do so, repeatedly braking gently once you have cleared the
water will help to dry your brakes out.