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Road Service Warning For North Coast


Road Service Warning For North Coast

With storm warnings issued along the North Coast and many areas in Northern NSW experiencing flooding, NRMA Motoring & Services is advising motorists to take extreme care while out on the roads.
NRMA President Wendy Machin said driving conditions were treacherous and North Coast motorists should avoid getting in the car unless absolutely necessary.

"Floods are deceptive, dangerous and deadly - it only takes 15cm of water to reach the bottom of most cars causing stalling or a dangerous loss of control," Ms Machin said.

"Motorists who see a flooded-out road should turn around and find an alternative route to their destination. If there is no other route, get to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.

"Water on the road might look safe and shallow enough to drive through but hidden dips in the road could have the car engine or worse, the car, submerged pretty quickly.

"Flooding can erode away the road surface and make the water level deeper than it looks.

"Motorists should never drive through moving water as strong currents could sweep the car away. Most cars will start to float in only 30cm of water - that's a mere school ruler's length.

"Motorists should also be aware that if their vehicle's exhaust pipe goes underwater and the engine stalls, the car's emission control equipment could be damaged which might cost up to several thousand dollars to replace."

The NRMA recommends the following for driving in heavy weather conditions:

  • If you break down in heavy rain don't open the bonnet of your car as rain-soaked car electrics will make it difficult for the NRMA patrol to get the engine started
  • Leave extra space between yourself and the vehicle in front as stopping distances are increased on wet roads - six seconds should be the minimum in wet weather
  • Ensure windscreen wipers are working properly
  • Don't brake suddenly - slow down gradually by easing off on the accelerator
  • Avoid driving through still water on the road - only drive through it if you know exactly how deep it is
  • Never drive through water at high speeds
  • Drive slowly and, if you have a vehicle with manual transmission, keep the engine revving by slipping the clutch or water in the exhaust could stall the engine and cause damage
  • Test your brakes as soon as you can after driving through water.

Ms Machin said motorists who live in an area where flooding may occur should move their cars to higher ground.

For more NRMA motoring advice visit www.mynrma.com.au/motoringadvice.

Contact: Kimberly Rigby 0439 133 215

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