What to Do When Encountering Floods While Driving

[Andrew]

Driving in flood conditions requires specific precautions: 1. During Heavy Rainfall: Turn on your headlights when driving in heavy rain. If starting your car, avoid doing so when other vehicles are approaching. Once started, drive slowly through water, preferably in first gear without shifting. Keep the engine RPMs high (above 2500) by slipping the clutch to prevent water intake and stalling. 2. Waterlogged Roads: Wait for the vehicle ahead to pass through before entering a waterlogged area. Drive on the highest part of the road and avoid meeting other vehicles in flooded sections. 3. Deep Water: If water might submerge the exhaust pipe, never fully release the accelerator to prevent water from entering. If the car stalls in water, do not restart the engine. Turn off all power immediately and call for roadside assistance to remove the vehicle from the water. 4. Submerged Roads: Avoid driving into flooded roads or culverts unless you can accurately judge the water depth as safe for passage. 5. Deep Flood Zones: If trapped in deep water with a stalled car or sudden flooding, open doors or windows to escape to safety. If water pressure prevents opening, use a hammer (recommended to keep one in the car during rainy seasons), steering wheel lock, or fire extinguisher to break the window. Alternatively, use the metal prongs of a removable headrest to shatter the glass.