The Met Office has placed a Yellow weather warning across much of the UK as thunderstorms and torrential rain threaten to end the recent sunny spell. East Wales, the Midlands, northern England, East Anglia and southern England are all expected to be affected, with the downpour potentially the heaviest and most far-reaching of the summer in central and southern parts of the country.
Driving conditions worsen
Visibility will be diminished, glare heightened and road markings eroded. Braking distances will roughly double compared to standard conditions due to reduced tyre grip and the threat of aquaplaning, where a layer of water accumulates beneath the tyres.
Dan Briggs, CEO of frontline worker car discount company Motorfinity, has shared safety tips for driving during a downpour, along with a little-known law under the Road Traffic Act 1988. It is illegal to drive through puddles that splash pedestrians, falling under driving "without reasonable consideration for other persons." Those found guilty face a £100 fine and three penalty points.
Three-minute car check advised
Briggs recommends a rapid check of windscreen wipers, lights and tyres before setting out. "Inspect your front and back windscreen wipers for cracking or splitting and any debris they may have caught," he advised. Squeaking or streaking blades may need replacing, as they last about six months to a year.
Lights should be switched on during heavy downpours and checked for dirt or mud, as it is illegal to have something impacting vehicle lights on UK roads. Tyres must meet the minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, verifiable by inserting a 20p coin into the groove.
Route checks and distractions
Drivers should scrutinise routes for road closures and accidents before departing, as local drainage systems can become overwhelmed and cause flash flooding during intense rain. This is particularly advised for shift workers leaving early.
Briggs cautions that turning up music is "the most distracting things you can do" when it is pouring down. Rule 148 of the Highway Code states drivers must avoid distractions, including music, playlists or the radio, with failure resulting in a £100 fine and three penalty points. Music, if played, should be at a lower level than normal, and phones should not be touched to change songs while driving.
