Wet Roads
Taking Care on Wet Roads
Wet surfaces reduce tyre grip and double your braking distance.
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Slow down and keep a larger gap from the vehicle ahead.
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Be extra cautious after a dry spell — rain mixes with oil and dust, making roads slippery.
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Different road surfaces provide different grip levels.
If you drive through deep puddles:
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Slow down — puddles can hide potholes or drain covers.
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Consider others — pedestrians and cyclists can be drenched by spray.
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Give cyclists room to avoid puddles safely.
Aquaplaning
Aquaplaning happens when a layer of water builds between the tyre and the road, causing a total loss of grip.
If the steering suddenly feels light:
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Ease off the accelerator — don’t brake or steer suddenly.
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Keep the wheels straight until grip returns.
The faster you go, the higher the risk — always reduce speed on very wet roads.
Spray
Large vehicles throw up spray that can obscure your vision completely.
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Increase your distance behind them.
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Use wipers and headlights appropriately.
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Slow down if visibility drops — never rely on automatic systems alone.
Floods and Standing Water
Before You Drive
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Check weather and traffic reports.
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Avoid routes known to flood.
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Watch for flood depth gauges on affected roads.
If You Encounter Floodwater
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Stop and assess the situation — don’t assume it’s shallow.
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Turn back if the water looks deep.
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Flooded exhausts and electrical systems can stall your engine.
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Fast-moving water can sweep vehicles away.
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Driving Through Shallow Water
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Move slowly, one vehicle at a time.
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Keep engine revs high by using first gear and slipping the clutch.
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Avoid creating a bow wave — it can flood your engine or nearby property.
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After crossing, test your brakes gently to dry them.
Crossing a Ford
A ford’s water depth varies by season.
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Check the depth gauge before entering.
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Use the same slow, steady technique as in shallow floodwater.
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Test your brakes after crossing.
Never “charge” through water:
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You could lose control or stall the engine.
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You may block the road or need rescue.