Flooding!

Good afternoon all,

🚗💧 Driving Safety During Floods – Please Take Extra Care

With persistent rainfall and localised flooding affecting many parts of the county, we’re reminding all road users to stay safe and make sensible decisions when travelling.

🌧 Slow down and increase your distance
Wet roads drastically reduce tyre grip, increase stopping distances, and make visibility more difficult. The AA warns that stopping distances can double on wet roads, so leave plenty of space and drive smoothly to maintain control. 

🌊 Never drive through flood water
If you’re unsure of the depth, do not attempt it. Even shallow water can hide potholes or debris and may be much deeper than it appears. Driving through flood water risks engine failure, loss of steering or braking, and can cause severe vehicle damage. 
The National Water Safety Forum also warns that flood water can be fast‑moving, contaminated, and strong enough to knock people off their feet—so keep out of it entirely. 

🛑 Just 30cm of moving water can sweep a car away
Flood risk experts highlight that around 30cm of fast‑moving water is enough to push a vehicle off the road, and as little as 60cm of still water can float most cars. Many cars written off each year are lost because drivers underestimated flood conditions. 

💡 Use dipped headlights
Heavy rain and spray make you harder to see. Use dipped headlights, not full beam, which can reflect off the rain and reduce visibility further. 

🔍 Plan ahead before your journey
Check weather forecasts, flood warnings, and local road closures before setting out. If your journey isn’t essential, consider delaying travel until conditions improve. The RAC advises planning routes to avoid flood‑prone areas and ensuring your vehicle is road‑ready with working wipers, lights, and safe tyre tread. 

⛔ If the road is flooded — turn around
Hidden hazards under the surface make flooded sections extremely dangerous. If water is flowing or you can’t see the road surface, do not attempt to cross. The safest option is always to find an alternative route.

📞 If you become trapped in flood water
If you can exit the vehicle safely, do so immediately. If not, call 999 and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service. Do not attempt to wade through flood water unless absolutely unavoidable. 

Stay safe, plan ahead, and never take risks with flood water.
Your NL59 Beat Team 🚔💙