Advice on driving through floods

With a recent spate of bad weather leading to flooding around the country, and ever more erratic weather predicted in the future, it’s important to understand how to tackle floods and washed-out roads in a vehicle.

Those without the benefit of rugged 4×4s may be unsure on how to approach flooded roads, but the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM)) has issued advice for drivers on coping in extremes of weather.

“If the journey is unavoidable, motorists should take extra precautions when dealing with severe surface conditions,” said IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger.

“Torrential rain brings with it visibility problems as the car mists up in seconds.”

The IAM has compiled the following advice for motorists driving in flood conditions:

• Don’t go in if the water’s obviously too deep or flowing too quickly: consider an alternative route.

• If you have to drive through water try to drive in the highest section of the road and don’t set off if a vehicle is travelling in the opposite direction. Leave time and space for each other, so you don’t swamp other drivers.

• Drive only fast enough to create a small bow wave in front of the vehicle – driving at speed may be dangerous to other vehicles or pedestrians.

• Keep going once you have started – make sure you have a clear run, put the car into first gear, keep the revs high and set off. Don’t go in if you can’t see a way out on the other side.

• Do not take your foot even slightly off the accelerator, as this will allow water to travel up the exhaust pipe. As you go through the water, slip the clutch if you can. After you come out, dry brakes gently before you need them – the best way is to lightly apply the brake as you drive along for a few seconds.

• At the other side, keep moving and continue to rev the engine to clear any water from the exhaust.

The IAM has grown to become the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy.

For more goto iam.org.uk

Tagged with: 4x4s • Bad Weather • Bow Wave • Chief Examiner • Erratic Weather • Exhaust Pipe • Extremes • Flood Conditions • Floods • Independent Road • Institute Of Advanced Motorists • Other Vehicles • Pedestrians • Peter Rodger • Road Safety • Spate • Surface Conditions • Time And Space • Torrential Rain • Visibility Problems

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