Following Met Office warnings that the UK is going to be subjected to torrential rain over the next few days, IAM is offering car owners advice on driving in heavy rain.
The road safety charity is urging drivers to keep in mind that wet conditions on roads will mean increased stopping distances and poor visibility generally. Wet road surfaces will be hazardous for both motorists and cyclists alike, as there is a greater chance of slipping when steering or braking.
IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger argues that the best course of action that drivers can take is to "drop your speed and give yourself more time to slow down."
The charity also argues that drivers in areas with severe flood warnings, including Cornwall and the Isle of Wight, should avoid taking to the road altogether. For essential journeys, IAM offers the following advice:
- If you can't see where you are going to come out of the water, such as when approaching flooding on a bend, think twice about starting to drive into it
- In deep water never take your foot off the accelerator, as this could allow water to travel up the exhaust pipe
- Once you're out of the water, dry the brakes before you need them. The best way is to lightly apply the brake as you drive along for a few seconds, after checking nothing is following you too closely.
- Drive on the highest section of the road and don't set off if a vehicle is approaching you
- Leave time and space to avoid swamping other cars and pedestrians
- Drive slowly and keep going once you have started - make sure you have a clear run. In a manual car, keep the revs high by "slipping the clutch" (which means the clutch is not fully engaged) all the time you are in the water.
