Heavy rain and floodwater are a common occurrence in North Yorkshire and despite best efforts some roads will naturally flood and become a hazard for road users.  Every year the fire service are called out to road users who have become stranded whilst trying to drive through floodwater that is simply too deep or too fast to safely get through.

Follow our advice to ensure you remain safe and your car isn’t written off.

Shallow water

1. Check if there is an alternative route you can take which doesn’t involve driving through any floodwater
2. Check the water depth – anything deeper than 10cm is deep and isn’t advised to drive through
3. Let oncoming vehicles pass first – they will create a bow wave that could flood your car
4. Drive slowly through – use first gear, 3 to 4 mph is fast enough
5. Try to drive through the shallowest part of the road – this is usually the middle as the road cambers near the kerb
6. Test you brakes when you are out of the water and when it is safe to do so

Deep water or fast flowing water

If the water seems too deep for your vehicle or it is fast flowing, turn back and go around the flood by another road. It might take a little longer, but that’s better than finding yourself stranded.