The Oxfordshire area has avoided the worst flooding this winter but there are numerous places which are prone to localised flooding that can take drivers by surprise. For example, the run from Oxford to Islip through Woodeaton - a favourite for Oxford based observers – is often covered by several centimetres of water.
So, how can drivers safely negotiate flooded roads?
The following advice is adapted from the AA website.
Flooding can happen any time thanks to rain, blocked drains, burst water mains, tides and burst river banks.
If you hear there’s flooding on the way, move your car to higher ground to stop it getting damaged. Water plays havoc with electrics and can even cause airbags to go off suddenly some time later.
Heavy rain
- Turn your headlights on – the Highway Code says you must use them when visibility is less than 100m.
- Use fog lights if you like, but switch them off when visibility improves.
- Leave twice as much space between you and the car in front – it takes longer to stop in the wet.
- If your steering feels light, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
- If you break down don't prop the bonnet open while you wait. Rain-soaked electrics can make it harder to start the engine.
Floods and standing water
- Try to avoid standing water if you can.
- Don't drive into flood water that’s moving or more than 10cm deep. Let approaching cars pass first.
- Drive slowly and steadily so you don’t make a bow wave.
- Test your brakes as soon as you can afterwards.
- Fast-moving water is very powerful – take care or your car could be swept away.
If you do get stuck in flood water, it's usually best to wait in the car and call for help rather than try to get out.
Why slow down?
Driving fast through water is dangerous, inconsiderate and can end up being very expensive.
Your tyres can lose contact with the road, causing you to lose steering control – called aquaplaning. If you feel it happening, hold the steering lightly and lift off to slow down gently until your tyres grip again.
At anything above a slow crawl you’ll throw water onto pavements, soaking pedestrians or cyclists. You could be fined and get points on your licence for this.
It only takes an egg cupful of water to be sucked into your engine to wreck it, and on many cars the engine’s air intake is low down at the front.
What to watch out for
- Look out for slip and trip hazards like kerbs under the water.
- Manhole covers can get lifted and moved.
- Water levels can change quickly.
- Assume that flood water is contaminated. Urban flood water can carry dangerous bacteria from drains and sewers. Rural flood water is more likely to be contaminated by agricultural chemicals and animal waste.
Fords Just because the road goes into the river on one side and comes out on the other, that doesn’t mean a ford is safe to cross. The depth and speed of the water changes with the weather