What are the reasons why flooded roads affect driving safety and make passage difficult?
5 Answers
The reason is the inability to observe hidden potholes and raised road surfaces. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Precautions for driving in rain: The first thing to note is the degree of tire wear. In good weather, even if the tire wear exceeds the limit, driving at low speeds in the city may not cause any problems. However, during rainy days, tires with excessive wear have poor drainage capacity, making the vehicle prone to skidding and creating danger in emergency situations. 2. Driving precautions: Develop the habit of fastening your seat belt when getting in the car. The importance of seat belts for driving safety is self-evident; always fasten your seat belt when entering the vehicle. However, there are always some people who feel that seat belts restrict their movement space or even find them uncomfortable and choose not to wear them. Make sure the car door is securely closed when driving.
Having driven for over twenty years, I deeply understand the dangers of flooded roads. When wheels come into contact with water, they can easily skid and lose control—a phenomenon known professionally as hydroplaning. At high speeds, tires can lift off the surface, losing grip and making steering and braking ineffective. Last time I drove on the highway during a heavy rainstorm, my wheels skidded so badly it sent chills down my spine, nearly causing me to hit the guardrail. Moreover, standing water can hide potholes and rocks, which can damage the undercarriage or exhaust pipe, and if water enters the engine, it can be totaled. Visibility is also blurred with reflections, making it hard to see road signs and obstacles, increasing the likelihood of operational errors. That’s why I always remind myself: never attempt to cross water deeper than half the tire height, maintain a slow and steady speed, and increase the following distance. On rainy days, wet roads reduce friction by half, so keeping speed under 40 km/h significantly lowers risks—safety is far more important than rushing.
With ten years of auto repair experience, I've frequently encountered water-related vehicle failures. When driving through flooded roads, if the engine ingests water, the spark plugs may short-circuit, causing ignition failure, and the cylinder block could sustain damage requiring repairs costing thousands. A wet braking system reduces friction, doubling the stopping distance and increasing rear-end collision risks. Electrical components like the ECU module may short-circuit when exposed to water, necessitating major repairs. I've seen cases where customers stalled in deep water, incurring hefty towing fees. Higher water levels mean greater risks – I advise against taking chances. Regular maintenance checks on tire treads and chassis seals can prevent some issues. During bad weather, avoid low-lying roads and opt for vehicles with ABS functionality – safety is ultimately the most cost-effective approach.
I've been driving for over three years, but the last heavy rain and flooded roads left me shaken. The water on the road reflected glaring light, the wipers couldn't clear the windshield properly, and the blurred vision made it hard to spot potholes. Before I knew it, I drove into a deep water area, the car sputtered and stalled, unable to move, and it took the whole afternoon to get it towed. In the panic, my slippery handling made things worse, and I almost rear-ended another car. Later, I was told the engine had taken in water, costing a few hundred for minor repairs. When you're nervous, mistakes come easier—flooded roads reduce control, and new drivers need to be extra careful. Now, I always turn on the fog lights when driving in rain, and if the water level is high, I either detour or pull over, waiting for the water to recede before moving on. Life is more precious than time.
From a safe driving perspective, waterlogged roads significantly reduce friction coefficients, increasing the risk of tire slippage and frequent accidents. At 60 km/h, braking distance may extend by half, and reduced nighttime reflectivity doubles the danger. I recommend reducing speed to below 30 km/h for smooth driving, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration. Check tire wear and replace old tires to prevent hidden hazards. Probe water depth before crossing flooded areas, and avoid sections with excessive water levels. Regular vehicle maintenance, especially for electrical systems, is crucial. Installing anti-skid devices adds an extra safety cushion. Develop good habits by avoiding travel during heavy rainstorms, as road safety is the fundamental guarantee.
