Some parts of North Yorkshire are more prone to flooding than others and there are many fords around the county.
Just 30cm (1ft) of flowing water could be enough to move the average family car:
- Don’t just drive on believing that you will get through.
- Look for some indication as to how deep the water is, can you see the curb? Are there any posts or markers that could indicate depth?
- Try not to drive into the flood if another vehicle is coming the other way. The joint waves could combine to swamp your car.
- Is the water running from side to side? If so, it could push your vehicle sideways and off the road.
- If another vehicle is trying to get through consider: 1. Did they make it through the flood?; and 2. How far up the wheels did the water come?
- If the water is more than about half way up a standard car wheel don’t try to drive through.
- If you decide to drive through use first gear, drive very slowly slipping the clutch, keep the engine revving to keep water away from the exhaust pipe and try not to create a bow wave that could swamp your vehicle.
- Consider the camber of the road and try and drive through at the shallowest point
- If water is sucked into the engine it will cause very expensive damage.
- Once through the flood gently check your brakes to dry them out so that they work the next time you need them.
Further information about driving in flood water.
North Yorkshire Police – Driving through floodwater