Reasons to Avoid Driving on Flooded Roads
October 21st, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
Driving through water can be dangerous since a vehicle can easily hydroplane and cause an accident or collision. There is also the risk that driving through water may cause a car’s engine to malfunction or damage other vehicle components.
If you are concerned about driving your car in water, there is no need to stress. Because if you know the risks associated with this situation, you can manage these issues before they lead to accidents, collisions, or vehicle damage.
Is It Safe to Drive a Car in Water?
Roads get wet, and drivers travel along them. Yet, there are risks any time a driver navigates on a flooded road.
Roads can become flooded due to heavy rain, burst water mains, and other severe tides. Regardless of how a road gets flooded, it is important to proceed with caution. In doing so, a driver can potentially avoid a wide range of dangers.
Common Flooded Road Dangers
Water can make it tough for a car’s tires to maintain a firm grip on the road. If a driver travels too fast or turns too sharply on a wet road, he or she could lose control of their car. The result: an accident or collision could occur, and the incident results may be fatal.
Additionally, even a few inches of water can cause a car to stop running. In this instance, a driver is unable to move their car — and puts other motorists at risk of hitting their vehicle.
Let’s not forget about the damage that water can cause to a car, either. If water enters a car’s engine or electrical system or impacts other components, it can lead to costly, time-intensive repairs.
Tips for Driving Safely on a Flooded Road
Whenever possible, a driver should avoid traveling on a flooded road. If a driver encounters a flooded road, pursue an alternative route, preferably on higher ground. Or, a driver can wait until a path is cleared, so he or she can safely travel down a flooded road.
In the event that a driver encounters a road where standing water is present, here are things to do to safely navigate the road:
1. Travel Down the Center
Water is often most shallow at the center of a road. Thus, a driver should travel down the center.
2. Avoid Passing Other Cars
Travel in a single lane down a flooded road. Single-lane driving can be beneficial for all motorists on a flooded road, as it helps minimize the risk of splashing water onto other vehicles as they pass. Remember to drive cautiously and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
3. Stay Away from Deep Water
Avoid puddles that exceed the center of a car’s wheels. Deep water can cause a car to sink, leading to vehicle damage and increasing the risk of an accident or collision. Furthermore, drive slowly over water because traveling over even a half-inch of water at any speed can cause a driver to lose control of their car.
4. Keep the Brakes Dry
Brake lightly and drive slowly when traveling on a flooded road. This helps keep the brakes dry and increases the likelihood that they will continue to work properly on a flooded road.
Flooded roads are sometimes unavoidable, but drivers can use the aforementioned tips to travel safely on these roads. As a result, these drivers can do their part to reduce the risk of flooded road accidents and collisions.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Lindon, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing Utah County.
