What is it with driving through flooded crossings

[flappist]

I just do not understand the number of idiots who drown their cars whenever it rains.

Flooding is not new. I have been driving through flooded causeways and crossings for over 30 years in all sorts of vehicles and never even come close to getting into trouble. I suspect too many people have watched too many docu-fictions on TV and believe that they can go anywhere any time provide they have the right hat, beard and special tyres.

For those who do not know the tricks.

1) If it is flowing more than about 5 kts (10km/h) and is more than 6 inches (150mm) deep STAY OUT.

2) If it is slow or stopped and you are not sure, stop, get out of the car and walk across all the way to the other side. If it is deeper than your axles STAY OUT. If you have a commodore and it is deeper than your sill STAY OUT (commodores have the computer at floor level in the cabin).

3) If you can follow a truck or bus through do so and stay close enough behind that you are in their wash but not so close that they cannot see you.

4) If you have to cross by yourself enter at about 5-10km/h, move to the middle of the road as that is where it is most shallow and drive at a constant speed in first gear until you are completely out the other side. Then DRY YOUR BRAKES by applying them a lot until the car seems to stop normally.

5) If you do cross when you get home check your oil for water and if you find any replace both oil and filter. Do the same for diff and trans if applicable.
If water get into the cabin make sure you get it out and dry the floor as soon as possible.

That's it boys and girls......be safe and vigilant out there.

[4Vman]

The CFA do it too!!!!!

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/mor...-1226232350516

[Grum]

70% of drivers (well in sydney anyway) can't figure out to turn on their headlights when driving on wet roads with considerable water spray. What home do we have of the masses attempting a successful causeway crossing?

[Lynton]

You forgot to mention that if the current is too strong to easily walk across, stay out because cars tend to slide off the road just as easy as you fall over in currents.

Remember, the line between hero and idiot is a very fine one and is only known retrospectively.