Get ready for heavy rain, floods and fog
When the forecast looks wet and your area’s facing heavy rain, fog, and even flooding – we’re here with some easy tips to get ready.
Driving in hazardous conditions
In this guide:
Driving in a downpour
Clear your view
When it’s raining heavily, take it up a notch: turn your windscreen wipers on max and switch on your sidelights, so other drivers can see you.
Wipers in check? It’s generally a good idea to change your windscreen wipers every year.
Get a grip!
Slow down to avoid slipping and sliding. Aquaplaning happens when tyres skid over water.
Mind that gap
Fall further back from that car in front as stopping on wet roads takes longer.
Roads flooding?
Get higher
Try to move your car to higher ground if you can, as this will help to protect it from water damage.
Try to avoid driving in heavy rain. But if you need to go out, avoid standing water if you can. And if you see a flooded road, try to take a different route, otherwise your engine could get flooded.
Get prepped
Think about which valuable things you need to move to keep them safe from flooding. Somewhere high up is best – ideally upstairs if possible.
Get powered down
If a flood is on its way, unplug electrical items and turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
Get your list sorted
Keep a list of important contacts. Think family, local emergency helplines, Floodline (0345 988 1188) and of course Moja, in an easy to grab place.
Foggy out?
Lights on
Pop your rear fog lights on when it’s hard to see less than 100m in front of you and turn them off once the fog’s cleared so you don’t dazzle other drivers.
Ease off
Make sure the gap between you and the car in front is big enough in case you need to hit the brakes suddenly.
We know it’s unnerving driving in these conditions but try to avoid unnecessary braking in fog convoys.
Safely stop
If you’re really struggling to see, just find a safe place to stop without abrupt manoeuvres.
Use your mirrors and brake gently and indicate with plenty of notice when you need to turn.