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Driving in Adverse Conditions
Driving in Adverse Conditions
Driving in Adverse Conditions
A comprehensive guide to driving in adverse conditions such as navigating deep water, heavy rain, and floods while driving.
Driving through floodwater, heavy rain, or floods can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for inexperienced drivers or those unfamiliar with adverse weather conditions. However, fear not! Our concise and practical guide is here to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to confidently handle these challenging driving scenarios.
Mastering Heavy Rain Conditions Whilst Driving
Turn on Your Headlights: In cases of seriously reduced visibility (less than 100 meters), it’s a legal requirement to have your headlights on, as specified in the Highway Code.
Fog Lights Usage: While it’s permissible to use fog lights, remember to turn them off when visibility improves to avoid distracting other drivers.
Increase Following Distance: Given that it takes longer to come to a stop in wet conditions, maintain twice the normal distance between you vehicle and the one in front.
Aquaplaning Handling: Should your steering feel light due to aquaplaning, gently release the accelerator and decelerate gradually to regain control.
Breakdown Precautions: If your vehicle breaks down, refrain from propping the bonnet open while waiting. Rain-soaked electrics can complicate engine starting.
Navigating Floors and Standing Water
Seek Higher Ground: If you’re alerted to impending flooding, consider relocating your car to high ground to prevent damage. Flooding can disrupt vehicle electrics and potentially trigger unexpected issues, such as an airbag deployment.
Avoid Standing Water: Whenever possible, steer clear of standing water on the road.
Mind the Depth: Never venture into floodwater that is in motion or exceeds 10 centimeters (4 inches) in depth. Allow other approaching vehicles to pass before proceeding.
Gentle, Steady Driving: Drive through flooded areas slowly and consistently to prevent creating a bow wave.
Brake Testing: After driving through standing water, test your brakes as soon as it’s safe to do so to ensure they function properly.
Fast-Flowing Water Caution: Always exercise extreme caution around swiftly moving water, as it possesses considerable force that can potentially sweep your vehicle away.
Stuck in Floodwater: In the event you become trapped in floodwater, it is generally safer to remain inside your vehicle and call for assistance rather than attempting to exit.
Before setting out on the road in challenging weather conditions such as heavy rain, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is prepared. If driving in these conditions is unavoidable, take the following steps to make your journey safer:
1. Inspect your car’s equipment, including windshield wipers, headlight, fog lights, and tail lights.
2. Check the tire tread to ensure proper grip on wet surfaces. If your tires have worn treads, it can lead to reduced traction.
3. Address fogged-up windows by ventilating your car, as good visibility is crucial.
4. If possible, test your brakes before entering busy roads to ensure they are functioning optimally.
5. Drive at a reduced speed to maintain control on wet surfaces. Keep in mind that your car’s reaction time is slower in wet weather, resulting in longer braking distances. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to account for this increased stopping distance.
