This archive report was first published on 6 December 2019.
As heavy rains continue throughout December, motorists, pedestrians, and those at home are at risk. The situation is worsened by poor or non-existent drainage, turning roads in Nairobi and other towns into pools of water.
According to experts, as little as six inches of water can damage a car, causing it to hydroplane and potentially veer off the road.
Here are some essential tips to help you drive safely on flooded roads:
- Keep a maximum speed of 30 Km/h to avoid losing control of your vehicle.
- Assess the depth of the water before driving through it; if you cannot walk through it, do not drive through it.
- Even if your car is a 4WD, water as low as one foot high can sweep the vehicle out of control.
- Drive slowly and avoid entering flooded roads at high speed, as this can cause you to lose control of the car.
- Ensure your tires have good tread depth for traction.
- In the event of losing control, do not slam on the brakes; instead, steer the car in the preferred direction and apply the brakes gradually to bring the car to a complete stop.
Stay safe on the roads by following these simple yet crucial tips.
