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Much of safe driving is about thinking ahead. If you're planning a journey and a severe weather warning has been issued with flooding expected, unless your journey is absolutely necessary, don't make it. |
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However, if you're en route and encounter some flood water, either as large puddles on the road, or where a river/stream has burst its banks, the following safe driving tips could be useful.
Safe driving in a flood
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If a flood is localised, take a different route where possible |
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Never drive through flood water when you cannot see the ground under the water. It could be far deeper than you imagine, and a flood can also wash away the road surface |
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Check the depth before driving through a flooded area; it only takes 2 feet of water to float a car. Water deeper than the bottom edge of your door can get splashed up into the engine compartment, leading to stalling and damage |
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Drive slowly. Put your vehicle in 1st gear and maintain a very slow, steady speed; try not to create a bow wave. If you hit flood water at speed you will first lose control, then come to an abrupt stop |
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If you stall in deep water, abandon your car and get to higher ground; your car can be towed out later. Many flood related fatalities occur when people stay with their vehicles |
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If you have to drive when there's a risk of flood, keep track of local radio travel and weather reports and plan your journey to avoid the worse areas. Even if it's only a short journey, pack some spare clothes, food, drink and your mobile phone. Ensure you have any emergency numbers (from your flood plan) saved in your mobile for easy access.
If you have had to drive through flood water, even if your vehicle seems fine, take time to check it over before driving it again.
Safe driving - checking your vehicle
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Check your vehicle for any obvious scratches, bumps, cracks or things hanging off |
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Next, check the interior. If water has entered the interior and the electrical system, this could lead to the airbags deploying without warning which is highly dangerous |
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Check for any internal areas of damp. If you find damp patches, don't be tempted to leave them to dry out - this will result in a rather unpleasant musty, damp smell. Instead, take your vehicle to a garage and have it professionally cleaned and dried |
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Check the engine oil and transmission fluid. If the fluid on the dipstick looks diluted, milky or beige, then water has got in. It is advisable not to drive your vehicle at this point, as it may cause further damage; instead have it towed to your nearest garage for repair |
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Check the air filter - if it is damp, replace it and change the oil |
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Look underneath the vehicle for stuck-on dirt, mud, grass and bits of debris. Wash it off as soon as possible to avoid it causing damage to the undercarriage |
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The brake system is crucial so it is best to take it to your nearest garage to have it professionally checked |
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Check the lights and indicators for rust and water damage. If there is water in them, replace the bulb |
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While the engine is running, listen for any abnormal running sounds, and have them checked out as soon as possible |
Remember - It is better to go through the time and cost of checking your vehicle now, rather than wait until the vehicle is in need of greater repair, or causes an accident. |
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www.metoffice.gov.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/weather
* www.metoffice.gov.uk |
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