AA advice on driving during heavy rain and floods

With predicitons of possible localised flooding in parts of Ireland over the next 24 hours, it’s no harm to follow AA Roadwatch bulletins on tweets for advice on flooded stretches of road.

If flooding does occur, the best bet is to avoid badly affected routes if possible.

Reduce your speed and double the distance between you and the car in front. Separately, check out some tips from our AA patrols for driving in flooded areas.

• If the steering becomes unresponsive due to surface water beneath your tyres ease off the accelerator until the car comes to a gradual halt.
• Don’t drive through flood water unless you’re sure of its depth.
• Allow oncoming traffic to pass through the flood water first waiting for the water to settle before you drive through.
• Drive through at a slow steady speed to avoid creating a bow wave.
•  Keep the engine rev’s high by using a lower gear, otherwise water in the exhaust could damage the catalytic convertor.
• If you break down in heavy rain don’t prop the bonnet open while you wait for the patrol to arrive – the engine will be more difficult to start again if the electrics are all rain-soaked.
• Test your brakes as soon as you can after exiting the water.
• Heavy rainfall can also reduce your visibility. Remember to slow down and be on the lookout for vulnerable road users if you’re caught in a sudden downpour.