Driving Through Floodwaters - Eye on Calderdale

Driving through floodwater is the number one cause of death during a flood. It is dangerous for you, your passengers, and the community.

30cm of moving water is enough to float an average family car.
An "egg cup" of water sucked into a combustion engine will destroy it.
Hidden hazards like mud, silt, and missing manhole covers can cause you to lose control.

Driving fast through water creates "bow waves." These waves can push water into nearby homes and businesses that might have otherwise stayed dry.

Move to higher ground immediately and stay away from flood-prone areas.
Do not allow children to play near high water, storm drains or ditches. Remember: hidden dangers, such as open drains and maintenance holes, often lie beneath the water. Never drive on a flooded road.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognise flood dangers.

Useful information on safe driving in floods and heavy rain and be found on the AA's website.

Dangerous - tyres will lose contact with the road and you will lose control of your vehicle’s steering. This is known as 'aquaplaning'. If you do experience aquaplaning, hold the steering wheel lightly and lift off the accelerator until the tyres regain grip.
Inconsiderate - driving through water at speeds above a slow crawl throws water onto pavements, soaking pedestrians, or cyclists. It could also cause a wave of water that can flow over kerbs, walls, and flood defences, causing major flood damage to buildings and property.
Expensive - the air intake on many cars is positioned low down at the front of the engine bay, and it only takes a small quantity of water sucked into the engine to cause serious damage. All engines are affected but turbo-charged and diesel engines are most at risk.