How to drive safely on flooded roads

The weatherman has warned that the unusually heavy rains are to continue throughout December posing a risk to motorists, pedestrians and those at home.

Poor or non existent drainage has exacerbated the situation with roads turned into pools of water making commuting in Nairobi and other towns a nightmare.

According to experts, it only takes six inches of water to damage a car.

A thin layer of water forms around the tires, slightly lifting the car off the road.

At this point, the car is hydroplaning, being steered by the waters that can make it veer off the road:.

Here is how you can drive safely on flooded roads when driving:

• Ensure that you always keep a maximum speed of 30 Km/h.
• Assess the depth of the water before driving through it: if you cannot walk through it you cannot drive through it.
• Water, as low as one foot high is enough to sweep the vehicle out of control
• Drive slowly even if your car is a 4WD.
• If you enter a flood at high speed, the bow wave you form in the process could cause you to loose control of the car.
• Ensure that the tires have good tread depth for traction
• In the event that you loose control of the vehicle, do not slam on the brakes.
• Steer the car in the preferred direction and apply the brakes gradually to bring the car to a complete stop.