Experience driving a car in flood

(Baonghean.vn) - Statistics show that every year, thousands of unfortunate traffic accidents occur around the world, some of which are caused by lack of experience when driving in the rain and floods.

Experience and skills in driving in the rain and floods will help you protect your life and property best, because driving in these conditions always has the potential for unexpected accidents.

Be careful with sudden rains

When the road surface has been dry for a period of time, there will certainly be a significant amount of engine oil and grease left on the road surface by vehicles. When it rains, this oil and grease will combine with rainwater, making the road surface especially smooth. If it continues to rain, it can completely clean this waste. However, in the first few hours, it can cause many dangers for vehicles.

Turn on low beam or fog lights

Turn on your low beams or fog lights even in light rain or overcast weather. This will not only help you see the road better, but will also help other drivers see you clearly. Do not turn on your high beams when there is a car coming from the opposite direction because it will be dangerous for both of you when traveling.

Brake earlier

Brake earlier but more gently than usual. This not only helps you increase the safe distance between you and the vehicle in front, but also lets the driver behind you know you are slowing down.

Be sure to use your turn signals carefully to alert other drivers when you enter a curve. Of course, you should enter the curve at a slower speed than normal.

Walk in the center of the road

Most roads rise slightly towards the centre, meaning rainwater will flow to the sides. If possible, drive in the centre of the road to avoid puddles.

Some of the rules of driving on flooded roads are to use 1st or 2nd gear (L or 1st on automatic); drive at a moderate speed to avoid creating large waves; release the clutch and slightly press the accelerator to keep the exhaust pipe clear of water; keep the accelerator steady and use the brakes to control speed.

Don't take risks

If you see a large puddle ahead, you should drive around it or take another route. A significant amount of water could enter the engine compartment and damage the electrical systems inside.

If you must drive into a flooded road, be sure to check the water level. Even 15cm of water can cover the undercarriage of most family cars, causing them to lose control or even stall.

A foot of water will turn most cars into a floating raft. A foot of water will sweep away most cars, including SUVs and pickup trucks.

Do not attempt to drive through fast-flowing water.

Don't try to drive through fast-flowing water - this is dangerous, as you will really get into trouble if the force of the water is greater than the weight of the vehicle. The wheels will not be able to function properly if the vehicle is pushed and slides sideways.

When you encounter a flooded area, turn around and find another route. If there is no route, find a high place and wait until the water recedes.

Even if the water appears shallow enough to drive through, do not attempt to cross it. There may be deep depressions, potholes, or sinkholes hidden beneath the surface. Water may even cause a section of road to disappear.

Make sure escape is easy

If you choose to cross the flood, make sure that you can escape easily. Unlock all the door locks, roll down the windows and prepare a hard object to break the windshield if necessary, because most modern cars use central locking, so when the engine dies or there is a power outage, the doors are locked. Rolling down the windows also helps increase visibility and makes you more proactive, especially when it is dark.

When the wheels lose traction, the four-wheeled vehicle starts to float. To avoid this, you can open the door to let some water into the car to increase the weight of the car, helping the wheels to grip the road again.

Ngoc Anh

(Synthetic)