Flash floods – How to stay safe when conditions are dangerous.

The summer so far has seen blazing hot days and torrential rain (and hail) where we are based right next to Car Magic in Chesham. Some parts of Hertfordshire have recently been hit by flash floods and lots of roads have been affected by standing water or flowing water in recent weeks. These conditions can be really problematic when you are out and about in your vehicle and the number of accidents often increase when rain is heavy too.

Here’s some advice for driving in flash floods or flooded roads:

Firstly please consider if your journey is absolutely necessary, if the flood has appeared quickly it is likely to disperse quickly so you could wait until it is safer to make your trip.

Top tips if driving through areas of water:

• If you are going to drive through water that is not fast flowing and you can see how deep it is, proceed slowly at a speed of about 5 miles an hour. Driving slowly will reduce the chances of an accident happening if you skid or aquaplane and also creates less of a wave or splash to the vehicles and/or people around you.
• Do not drive in water that is fast flowing. Just 30 cm of fast-flowing water can be enough to move the weight of an average family car!
• Do not drive through water if you don’t know how deep it is. Water and engines absolutely do not mix and there are a few ways water can get inside your car. If your air filter is positioned quite low on your vehicle it will suck in water and cause irreversible damage.
• Do not get close to other vehicles which can be even more unpredictable in wet weather and bad driving conditions.
• Do not leave your car if you do break down whilst in the middle of deep water. Put your hazard lights on and call for help from a breakdown service or the emergency services if you are in danger. Leaving your car could be more dangerous if the water is fast flowing.
• Do remember to clear water from your brake discs and brake pads after driving through a body of water. Simply apply the brake a few times when safe to do so until they become sharper and more reactive again.
• Do try to avoid standing water where possible but be always aware of other road users and pedestrians when manoeuvering around deeper water.

Driving in wet conditions?

It’s prudent to check for road closures due to flooding or bad conditions before any long journey but especially when there are weather warnings in place. Below are some other tips for driving in wet conditions from the RAC.

1. Check your wiper blades in the front and back of your vehicle
2. Ensure you have plenty of fuel before you travel.
3. Listen to the local radio for up-to-date travel advice as well as road closures or flooding risks
4. Carry your mobile phone in case of problems – using this hands-free of course!
5. Check your tyre pressure is not too low and tyre depths are within legal limits

If you have had a no-fault accident, you don’t have to claim from your insurance company.

You will be entitled to a like-for-like vehicle whilst your vehicle is being repaired, in the event of a non-fault claim.

You won’t have to pay your excess or lose your no-claims bonus if we manage your non-fault claim.

If your car is written off you could have the use of a hire car within 24 hours. You will have this replacement like-for-like car until your no-fault claim is paid.

Call us at 0800 059 0220 to talk about your no-fault accident claim. We’re open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. You can also start a claim online.