How to stay safe when driving through flood water in the UK
Hazardous conditions on the roads after recent heavy rainfall might give cause for concern, but here's how to stay safe The UK's flood water is causing many drivers to drown in dangerous situations, with the Environment Agency and the AA strongly advising against entering flood water that is moving or more than 10cm deep. The AA has found that a third of flood-related deaths involve a vehicle due to unnecessary risks, and in 2020, nearly 9,000 vehicles that had driven through or were stuck in flood water were rescued, with an estimated insurance bill of over £34 million. The top tips for driving in windy conditions include keeping both hands on the wheel and being prepared for stronger winds on exposed parts of the road. The most common battery issue in the winter months, battery battery issues are also a common cause of call-outs. Drivers also need to be aware of fallen trees and avoid towing high-sided trailers and expect lower speed limits due to fallen debris and accidents.
公開済み : 2年前 沿って Alex Robbins の Weather Auto
Avoid going too fast into even quite shallow puddles as that can lead to aquaplaning, where the front tyres will no longer steer the car and you lose control. It is also inconsiderate and illegal to soak pedestrians.
When you emerge from the water, dry the brakes by using them gently, and if there were leaves in the water, check the radiator for blockages.
Another thing to watch out for is irratic drivers coming the other way. You might be observing all the best advice, but big 4x4s or trucks racing though in the opposite direction can create such bow waves they drown your car.
If the worst happens and your car stops, leave the bonnet closed to avoid any further water ingress, climb out, lock the car and wade to dry land. In direst emergencies, you could try winding the car out by operating the starter in first or reverse gear but few starter motors will stand that sort of punishment so don’t rely on it.
The Environment Agency and the AA strongly advise against entering flood water that is moving or more than 10cm deep.
According to the AA, a third of flood-related deaths involve a vehicle because drivers take unnecessary risks. In 2020, it rescued almost 9,000 vehicles that had driven through or were stuck in flood water, with an estimated insurance bill of more than £34 million.
How to drive in wind
With the stormy weather the UK is currently receiving, drivers need to be careful when on the road. Gusts of wind are more common to hit your car on open stretches of road or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges. Drivers need to be conscious of tree branches and other vehicles becoming unstable in the windy weather.
Top tips for preparing your car for a windy drive
Before you even get into your car in windy conditions, it’s important to make sure that your car is properly prepared for winter weather - so that you and other road users have a safe journey.
According to Car Store, it is important to check the following things with your car for hassle-free and safe driving during stormy weather.
• Tyre tread depth - at least 3mm is recommended during winter
• Fluid levels such as oil, screenwash and anti-freeze
• Battery - The AA confirms battery issues are the most common cause of call-outs in the winter months
• Fully clear all windows and mirrors of ice/snow
• Scrape snow off the roof of your vehicle
Top tips for driving in the wind
According to the AA website, drivers must keep both hands on the wheel and be ready for stronger winds on exposed parts of the road - or when passing high-sided vehicles.
If you’re driving in windy conditions, be ready for sudden gusts when passing tall buildings too - and keep your speed down so you can stay in better control of your car.
It’s also a time to be extra mindful of cyclists and motorcyclists as they will also be more vulnerable to sudden gusts of wind. But it’s also important to keep your distance from other vehicles too.
Be aware of fallen trees - both on the road and hanging above - and use fallen twigs or small branches as a warning that there may be a larger tree further down the road.
Avoid towing high-sided trailers in windy conditions and expect lower speed limits or temporary closures due to fallen debris and accidents.
Always plan your journey carefully and check in with weather and traffic announcements as regularly as you can.
This guide has been updated with the latest advice.
トピック: United Kingdom