When a heavy rain shower comes, it makes driving a hire vehicle extremely testing. Read our Go Hire It guide to how to drive a hire van on flooded roads now…
Driving Hire Van on Flooded Roads
The AA says that one in three flood-related deaths happen to people in vehicles. Here are some hire van driving tips to keep you safe on flooded roads.
Drive slowly
Reducing your vehicle’s speed while on a flooded road is crucial, as the tyres are far more likely to lose grip if there is water on the road surface. This can cause you to lose steering control or aquaplane.
If you feel this happening, reduce speed gently and hold the steering lightly until you can feel the tyres starting to regain their grip.
Before setting off, test the depth of the water with a tape measure. Never drive through a flooded road deeper than 10cm.
Don’t make a splash
Intentionally splashing pedestrians and cyclists can mean points on your license or a fine if you are seen. Avoid big puddles, reducing speed to a crawl if you have to go through them.
Test your brakes
After passing a flooded road, test your brakes afterwards – somewhere it is safe. This helps dry them out.
Stay in your Van
If your hire vehicle breaks down, pull over and stay inside it unless you break down on the hard shoulder of the motorway. If that happens, put the hazard warning lights on and find a safe place to stop on the far left of the road.
Use your lights
Wipers on means lights on! You can also use your fog lights if you cannot see more than 100 metres ahead. Turn them off as soon as your visibility improves, so you do not dazzle other drivers.
Don’t stop moving
Bringing your vehicle to a halt while in deep water can allow it to get into your exhaust pipe and cause damage.
If you do have to make a stop, keep the engine revved up to reduce the chances of your vehicle seizing up.
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