The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across parts of the UK, prompting an expert to share advice for drivers facing heavy rain.
After a spell of scorching heat and dry conditions, large swathes of east Wales, the Midlands, northern England, East Anglia and southern England are set to experience what could be the most significant and widespread rainfall to hit central and southern parts of the UK all summer.
Driving conditions are expected to be severely affected, with reduced windscreen visibility, increased glare and washed-away road markings. Braking distances will roughly double compared to normal conditions due to reduced tyre grip and the risk of hydroplaning, where a layer of water builds up beneath the tyres.
Expert warns of 'ice rink' roads
Dan Briggs, CEO of frontline worker car discount company Motorfinity, said summer thunderstorms are one of the most dangerous times to be on the road, especially during the first ten minutes.
"When it hasn't rained for weeks, oil, grease, and rubber bake into the tarmac and then the moment a summer thunderstorm hits, all that grime lifts to the surface, turning the road into an absolute ice rink," he said.
Briggs noted that drivers used to their own summer driving pace may not adjust their speed and end up hydroplaning or sliding off the road. He also highlighted a little-known law: under the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is illegal to drive through puddles that result in a pedestrian being splashed. This falls under driving "without reasonable consideration for other persons," and those found guilty face a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence.
Quick three-minute check before setting off
Briggs advises carrying out a quick check on windscreen wipers, lights and tyres before heading out in wet weather. "Before heading out on your journey, especially if you're driving to work at night, like many frontline workers are, give your car a quick three-minute check," he said.
He recommends inspecting front and back windscreen wipers for cracking, splitting or debris. If there is persistent squeaking or the blade leaves streaks and smears, it might be time for new ones, as they only last about six months to a year.
The expert also advises driving with lights on during heavy rain and checking they are in full working order. "Make sure there's no dirt or leftover mud from previous journeys on the lights, as it's illegal to have something impacting vehicle lights on UK roads," he said.
Tyres should meet the minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. This can be checked by inserting a 20p coin into the groove; if the outer band cannot be seen, the tyres should have enough tread.
Check routes and avoid distractions
Briggs recommends checking the route for any closures and crashes before setting off. "During intense periods of rain, local drainage systems can quickly become overwhelmed and cause flash flooding," he said. He particularly recommends this step for those who leave for work early, like shift workers, as they are less likely to have caught up on news and traffic updates.
He also warns that playing music loudly is one of the most distracting things a driver can do in heavy rain. Rule 148 of the Highway Code states that drivers must avoid distractions, including music, playlists or the radio. Failure to do so can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points.
"If you do want to listen to music, make sure it's at a lower level than normal and don't touch your phone to change the song or playlist when driving, as that's also illegal," Briggs said.
