The AA offers advice and warning about driving in flood waters as roads across Nottinghamshire, including Farndon Road in Newark, remain flooded

Road users are being asked not to flout road restrictions and heed warnings about driving through flood waters. Yesterday Nottinghamshire County Council officially closed Farndon Road in Newark, however drivers were still continuing to pass through the water[1], which would then send waves lapping up against properties and covering pedestrian footpaths. While emergency services still had to get through, video of other vehicles driving through flood water has prompted advice to road users about responsibility during flooding.

Flood waters can be a safety hazard for vehicles and pedestrians and passing through them in an unsuitable vehicle which then gets stuck may divert emergency services away from more urgent matters. Generally, it is not advised by the AA to drive through water any deeper than 10cm and drivers should plot routes to avoid low ground roads or roads close to rivers and bodies of water.

As little as 30cm of flowing water could be enough to move a car and 60cm will float a vehicle. Flood waters are also hazardous as debris could be hidden below the surface or manhole or drain coverings could have come lose, causing damage to a vehicle or pedestrian.

There are also implications for the vehicle itself vehicle, with a mere egg cup full of water enough to wreck an engine and excess water can cause damage to a car’s electrical systems.

Cars are still passing through the flood water, despite the road being closed.

Driving through water should be avoided at all costs, but if forced to do so it is recommended that road users drive through it slowly in first gear, around 3-4mph, but with higher than usual revs. It is important that a car keeps moving and stalling is avoided and the engine may not be able to start again.

If in doubt, stop and find an alternative route. After passing through water a car may experience reduced or no braking, so it is important to check brakes before proceeding on a journey.

High water can also cause aquaplaning at the wrong speed, which may lead a driver to lose control of their vehicle and crash.

At lower water levels, divers who splash pedestrians could also face fines.

References

1. ^ however drivers were still continuing to pass through the water (www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk)