This week, Storm Brendan has brought torrential rain to many areas of the UK, resulting in a great deal of standing water on the roads.
To help to keep you safe, here's our top tips on driving safely in flood water.
- Try to avoid standing water if you can. Of course, don't swerve to avoid it safely and with awareness of other road users.
- If you can see that any standing water is moving / flowing - do not drive into it.
- If you do attempt to drive through standing water, do so slowly and steadily.
- Test your brakes as soon as you can after driving through water.
- Be aware of pedestrians! Drive slowly to avoid splashing people walking on the pavement.
If you are caught driving in a downpour - here's some more tips:
- Make sure your headlights are on - don't rely on the auto function, check!
- Use fog lights if visibility is very poor but make sure you remember to switch them off.
- SLOW DOWN and leave plenty of space between yourself and the car infront - your stopping distance will increase
- You may experience aquaplaning - water builds up in front of your tyres faster than the weight of your car can displace it meaning you have a layer of water between you and the road. A feeling of being out of control is scary - but don't panic. Slamming on the brakes is not a good idea, instead simply reduce your accelaration until you feel you have gained control of the car again.
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