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Driving In The Rain
17 August 2020
Following the heatwave that we have experienced over the past few weeks in the UK, the thunderstorms of Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th offered a welcomed break. On Sunday, the BBC even issued flood warnings for England and Wales.
According to BBC weather, we can expect to see these conditions continue this week, with heavy rain to be expected through Friday.
With this in mind, we at Marshall Leasing have compiled a guide for road safety in heavy rain and floods below.
Avoid driving where possible
Heavy rain and roads can be a recipe for disaster. Roads become slick, visibility can be compromised and - in the event of a storm - obstructions such as fallen trees can block the road. Consider whether your journey is essential.
Plan your journey
In adverse weather, some roads can be more dangerous than others. Allow plenty of time to drive at a slower speed, plan your route before you set off, let a family member or friend know which route you plan to take and follow roads that:
- Are not surrounded by trees, which could possibly fall
- Are well lit by street lights
- Do not have windy, tight bends
- Are not prone to flooding.
Use your lights correctly
Rain can seriously compromise visibility. Using your dipped headlights will allow other road users to see you more clearly. Avoid using your fog lights, so that your brake lights can be clearly seen.
Remember your stopping distances
As written in the Highway Code, stopping distances should be increased in wet weather. Average stopping distances should be doubled when driving in the rain.
Watch your speed
Driving at a reduced speed is advisable in wet weather. When the road is slick, your tyres are more likely to lose grip and skid, particularly if you brake or accelerate hard, or take a corner too fast. Stick to a lower gear to maintain close control of your vehicle.
Avoid puddles where possible
Shallow puddles don’t pose much of a threat, particularly if your vehicle is higher from the ground. Large puddles, however, should be avoided wherever possible to prevent a flooded engine. Deep, murky puddles also pose the threat of a hidden object, which could obstruct your path. If you are forced to drive through a deep puddle, do so slowly.
If you break down
Water damage can affect both your engine and your electrical system, making it a common cause for breakdowns in wet weather.
If your engine cuts out after you drive through water, do not attempt to restart your vehicle - this could cause water to be sucked up into the engine, which could cause an ‘air-lock’ and damage the engine’s components.
We at Marshall Leasing want to ensure that you have the safest possible travel. If you would like to know more about our leasing services, please do not hesitate to contact our team on 01480 414541.
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