With all the rain we have had recently it is as well to remember that all water is flat on top, but many puddles conceal hidden depths.
Water conceals potholes, beware!
Even on a road, you know well after a torrential downpour pot-holes can appear overnight, cunningly concealed by a sheet of seemingly benign water. Never trust a puddle.
Potholes cost motorists an estimated £320M every year
If the water becomes a lake, stretching from kerb to kerb, then even more caution is called for. If you can still see the kerb then use the centre of the road, the water will be shallower there because of the camber.
If the water covers the kerb or verges then, unless you are driving a 4×4 off-roader, extreme caution is called for. If you have your wellies in the boot, always a wise precaution, then put them on, find a stick and wade out to test the depth before venturing further. If you do decide to proceed, then take first gear, and keep just enough revs to prevent stalling as you drive VERY slowly to the other side. You will do yourself no favours by creating a bow wave. Once safely across, then test your brakes by pressing the brake pedal gently with your left foot while moving forward, still very slowly.
I recently joined a queue of traffic held up by a car on its roof in the middle of the road just beyond a flooded dip. Did he find he had no brakes, or did he skid on the muddy road as he accelerated away from the water? I did not find out, but I am pretty sure he was travelling too fast for the conditions.
If you have to drive a night during, or after, heavy rain, take extra care, especially on unlit roads. It is often difficult to distinguish between smooth wet tarmac and smooth wet water. While both need care you never know what might be lurking under the water.
Do you know what you’re driving in to?
Remember, it is better to arrive late then not to arrive at all.
There is more detailed advice on driving through water on page 39 in the new Roadcraft book.