Follow these essential safety tips for driving in a storm with more thundery downpours forecast

Safety tips for driving in a storm

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Knowing how to drive safely in brutal weather conditions like rain, thunder, lightning and hail can save your life.

With thunderstorms set to continue for many this week and further yellow warnings issued by the Met Office, drivers could face a host of extra hazards.

The Met Office warned flash flooding could cause travel disruption and power cuts, but also cautioned about the risks caused by fast flowing or deep floodwater.

Mark Greening, driving expert from insurance comparison site GoCompare listed some of the tips to make sure motorists enjoy a safe journey and don’t take any unnecessary risks.

He said: “The main piece of advice is if you can avoid travelling during a storm, then do. If you are caught out or need to drive, be prepared to pull over if it starts to become hazardous and wait for it to be safe.

“If you have to drive, allow more time so you can take it slow and pause your journey if you get caught in a bad patch.

“Always keep both hands on the wheel and slow down to maintain control of the car. Winds and rain can be so persistent they can cause your car to drift or veer with no warning.”

© Tom Bedford/Athena Pictures
A car drives through a flooded road near Merthyr Tydfil

Mr Greening added: “Driving slowly will also increase the distance between you and the driver in front as you may lose visibility. Always reduce your speed slowly and avoid harsh braking or sharp steering.

“When braking is essential, keep it smooth and gentle – being aware and anticipating the road ahead is the key. If you start to skid or lose control, release the brakes and turn smoothly into the slide.

“If you car starts to spin, steer into the direction of the spin and allow the car to straighten up.

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding and you’re unable to move your vehicle, don’t try to start it if your car is submerged. Drain the water if you can and allow the vehicle to dry out as much as possible.”

Other advice includes taking giving plenty of time and space to pedestrians, cyclists and motorbikes.

Slow moving or heavy goods vehicles also pose a potential risk, so take care when overtaking.

Also watch out for other cars and don’t make sure their actions don’t provoke you to make mistakes of your own.