10 things you should NOT do while driving through flooded roads

Every year the Indian monsoons bring relief to most but some woes for motorists. Every major city across the nation reports water logged streets during the monsoon. There are times when we face streets drowned deep in water but have no choice than to proceed. Here are ten things that you should not do while driving on a flooded road.

Walking in water to gauge the depth

Many people get down of the car to test to the depth of the water by walking on it. It is extremely dangerous. There may be a hidden manhole, sewer or even a big pothole that can make you fall in it. It is extremely dangerous to do go into flooded street on foot.

In such waters, the risk of electrocution is real. The water could also be toxic and loaded with germs. Such contaminated water can make you fall sick. Sewer water backflows during such situations and it can be harmful to your skin.

Drive fast through the water

Yes, the rpm of the car should be high to ensure that the water does not enter the exhaust pipe but driving fast is not recommended. It is always better to drive in the lower gears to make sure that the water is not entering from the exhaust pipe. Driving fast can cause the water to create ripples that can enter the air intake of the vehicle. Also driving fast means that the car hits hidden potholes of speed breakers at a higher speed that can cause loss of control.

Driving behind a heavy vehicle

It is one of the most common mistakes that people do. Most people follow a heavy vehicle closely in the hope that they will also cross the water body easily. The fact is heavy vehicles displaces a lot of water while moving. The displaced water hits the side of the road and comes back to increase the water level. It is extremely dangerous, and one should always wait for the water to settle down after a heavy vehicle has crossed it.

Following other vehicles

People see other cars and hope that their vehicle will make it through the area too. Well, every car has different ability to cross water-logged roads. While some cars come with high water wading depth, some vehicles have a very low water wading depth. If the water level is higher than the vehicle’s water wading ability, water can enter the engine and can cause an expensive repair. Always check your vehicle’s ability before entering in such areas. Also, turbocharged cars are more susceptible to suck in water than the naturally aspirated ones.

Centre of the road is the safest

Roads are designed to keep the flow of water outwards. Middle of the road is often the most shallow part of the road to drive through safely. Also, drains are situated on the side of the road, and many roads have manhole covers too. Such covers can come out during floods and can trap unexpected vehicles.

Continued Below: 10 things you should NOT do while driving through a flooded road