- Flood advice for UK motorists
- Just 30cm of moving water is enough to float a car
- If caught in deep water, get the windows open - fast
- Two minute window (sometimes less) before a car will sink
- Nightmare scenario as another named storm batters Britain
Experts have revealed how to escape a car trapped by floodwater - and there’s one inexpensive item motorists should carry in their glovebox.
Storm Bram has been wreaking havoc in the UK this week with flood warnings in place across the UK.
The Environment Agency says that just 30cm of moving water is enough to float a car and means you risk being swept away and having to be rescued.
The AA adds that you should never drive into flood water that's moving or more than 10cm deep - it's always better to err on the side of caution and find another route.
But flash flooding can pose a sudden threat and drivers need a basic understanding of how to exit their vehicle should the worst happen.
Here we explains some basic steps that could save lives:
If in doubt, turn around
Prevention is always better than cure. If you approach floodwater and you have the slightest concern about its depth, turn around and find another way to your destination. Don’t risk it, even if you’re in a rush to be somewhere. It’s all too easy to underestimate the water’s deadliness.
Trapped in shallow water
If you’ve come to a halt in shallow water, turn off your car’s engine, unbuckle your seatbelt and unlock the doors. If the water isn’t moving quickly, you can see the bottom, and there’s dry land nearby, you can attempt to exit your car and make it to safety. If you’re unsure, it’s best to stay calm, remain in your car, and call for help.
Trapped in deeper water
This is the real nightmare scenario - and it could all unfold surprisingly quickly if you’re caught in floodwater as a result of a river bursting its banks. The first step should be to unbuckle your seatbelt first and to make sure passengers follow suit.
The main thing to remember here is that because of the water pressure pushing against the side of your car, it could be impossible for you to open the door, particularly if the water is moving quickly. Opening the door is also only going to cause cold water to rush into the vehicle anyway. So, in this scenario you need to open a window instead - and fast. If you can, try to wind down the windows, or open the sunroof if you have one, before the electricity supply cuts out.
Smash a side window
If the above isn’t possible, you’re going to need to break the glass. Side windows (tempered glass) are weaker than windscreens (which are laminated) so focus your attention there. If you’re struggling to break the glass, try removing a headrest and use the metal-pointed ends as a makeshift axe.
You might also invest in an emergency window hammer and seat belt cutter so that you’re prepared for this type of worst case scenario. They’re relatively inexpensive - costing less than £10 on Amazon - but could very well save the lives of you and your passengers.
Assist children through the window first, then make your own escape.
The vehicle is sinking
The charity RoSPA suggests that a car will remain afloat for up to 2 minutes in deep water before it sinks - but it may become submerged in as little as 30 seconds, diving down nose first due to the weight of the engine. The RoSPA also points out that because cars are not airtight there will be no air bubble to help you survive underwater, so that’s not something you can rely upon. Time is therefore very much of the essence. You need to spring into action the second your car enters the water.
Once you manage to reach the safety of dry land, seek medical attention immediately to cope with the potential effects of hypothermia.
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