If you are stuck in a flooded area you should avoid driving at all, if it is possible. The depth of standing water may be much more deeper than you initially thought. Most of the time motorists who attempt to drive through standing water discover a little too late, that it is too deep, causing their wheels to come off the road or the water to flood their engines.
This can cause your vehicle to swerve into oncoming cars and result in accidents or collisions. This will be bad for you in the long term as your vehicle will either require pricey repairs or replacement. That is why you should steer clear of driving through any standing water. However, there are situations when avoiding flooded areas is just not an option. Following are a few things that you need to do if you are on a road that is flooded.
Find Alternative Routes
It should go without saying that, whenever possible, you should try to avoid driving across standing water. Even when you are driving a truck, the risks of a flooded road might still affect your vehicle. Try to avoid driving through a flood if you can by changing lanes or taking an alternative route. If you must drive across a flooded road, try to avoid standing water that is deeper than six inches. Of course, this also poses a risk because standing water is usually much deeper than it first appears to be.
Drive as Slowly as Possible
Drive as gently as you can if you need to keep driving through a flood. Driving at speeds lower than five mph is possible during periods of heavy floods. You should try your best to drive beside the shoulder of the road. Your vehicle will be raised, during floods it helps to be in a little higher location.
Keep your vehicle’s speed between one and two miles per hour as you initially reach the flooded region. After that, up your pace to four miles per hour. It helps a lot in forcing the water to bow out in front of your car. Additionally, it will assist in keeping the water out of your vehicle’s engine compartment and prevent flooding of the engine.
Driving slowly also helps in lowering the chances of hydroplaning. Even big trucks can experience this, and the last thing you want is to look for used trucks for sale after driving through a flood. When vehicles cross standing water too rapidly, it can cause water to build between the wheels of your vehicle and the road surface. The vehicle either slides or drifts and the motion is usually uncontrollable. This happens as a result of the vehicle’s tires lifting off the ground.
Dry Your Brakes
Even after you reach dry land, water damage to your car is still possible. Remember to be careful and lightly tap your brakes on a regular basis after you make it out of the flooded region to keep them from getting wet. Over time, rust and damage can result from damp brakes. If you have to travel through flooded areas often, it may be a good idea for you to get your vehicle checked out more frequently.
Be Wary of the Other drivers
When you driving in a flooded region make sure to look out for other drivers. Double the space you typically would have between your vehicle and the one in front of you. You should assume that the other drivers are inexperienced instead of thinking that everyone else is sensible and responsible.
You should have an idea of the harm that a careless driver can do to your vehicle. Speeding cars are much more likely to be caught in standing water, blocking traffic and posing safety risks to others. They are at a higher risk of hydroplaning and skidding towards oncoming cars. Because of this, it is crucial that you exercise caution and keep an eye on the other drivers when you are driving through flooded areas.
Conclusion
While flowing water can be quite lethal, standing water can be hazardous as well. Never try to drive across an area where floodwaters are flowing. They may sweep cars away without any notice since they are considerably more powerful than they seem to be. Even when you are operating a huge vehicle, like a truck, you should still be extremely cautious.