Motorists, beware flooding

Heavy summer rains have caused bad floods in the northern parts of the country and motorists have had to deal with the resulting bad conditions. To avoid a rainy-day wreck, follow these useful tips from Auto & General Insurance.

• It’s important to be able to see other cars, road signs and the road itself.
  Angelo Haggiyannes, director of Auto & General, says you should make sure your windscreen wipers are in good shape and your tyres have sufficient tread. Also don’t forget to drive with your lights on, and keep a bigger-than-usual following distance.
• Flood fatalities occur because people try to drive through deadly waters, rather than around them. Avoid crossing bridges or roads next to rivers during heavy rains because your car could be swept away by a flash flood.
• It may be tempting to drive through a flooded road as quickly as possible, but you need to be cautious because you could lose control of your car and cause an accident. If you can test the depth of the water, do so. If the water rises above the height of the bottom of your car door, don’t proceed—water could splash up into your engine bay and cause damage. If it’s safe to cross, keep your car in first gear and maintain a steady speed through the water.
• Overflowing storm water drains can be very dangerous—a flood often occurs when the drain is blocked by tree branches, rubble and debris. When you approach a storm water drain, take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Don’t use the brakes suddenly because the car can skid or aquaplane. Also avoid the deepest water, usually near the kerb, and remember to test your brakes when you’re through the flooded area.

If possible, choose a detour rather than braving a flood and risking your life. Going through deep water can also damage your vehicle’s electronic control systems and you don’t want a huge repair bill.

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