DRIVING THROUGH RAIN & FLOODS

How can we make hazardous driving in rain and floods that bit safer? Here are some top tips.

Why can it be dangerous to drive when it's raining?

Rain causes your tyres to lose traction. When the road gets wet, the rainwater mixes with the dirt on the road surface, making everything slippery and causing your tyres to lose grip on the road. Large areas of surface water can lead to aquaplaning, where a layer of water is trapped between your tyres and the road surface. This means it's suddenly impossible for you to accelerate, brake or steer.

Rain also makes it difficult for you to see when you're driving along. Using dipped headlights when it's raining will not only help you to see, it will greatly increase the chances of other drivers seeing you.

What's the maximum depth of water I can drive through safely?

Driving through any depth of water can be dangerous. Even just six inches - or 15cm of water - will reach the bottom of most passenger cars. Above this depth you can lose control or stall the engine because water can be sucked into the exhaust or washed into the air intake.

How can I reduce the risk of stalling?

If you are driving a manual car, press the clutch down slightly at the same time as pressing the acc...