4 More Driving Emergencies and How to Survive Them

Last month we discussed a few driving emergencies you might come across at one point or another during  your life and how to survive them. Emergencies like brake failure, steering failure, your bonnet flying open, and headlight failure can occur, perhaps more commonly than anyone would like. There are ways to survive these emergencies, though, and being prepared can help you avoid damage to your car and injuries.

These aren't the only driving emergencies you might encounter on the road, though. There are plenty of other high-risk situations every driver should be prepared for- just in case. Hopefully you will never have to deal with any of the following four situations, but if you do, you'll be ready and know how to react properly.

 

Driving Emergency: Flash Flood

Flash floods generally occur when rivers come over their banks after a substantial amount of rain or when drainage pipes and sewers are no longer able to hold all of the water coming from the sky. Flash floods are a problem for certain areas of the UK. One of the best ways to survive them is to avoid them altogether. You can do this by watching the weather closely before heading out on the road. If flooding is likely to occur, it's much better to cancel a trip than to come face to face with a flood while you're in your Land Rover.

This can't always happen, though. There may be times you drive off without even thinking about the weather forecast, and that's okay. However, as soon as you realise flooding can or has occurred, you should take steps to get to safety.

A few things to consider:

 

• In the UK, flash floods often occur quickly and with little warning, especially when a river breaks its banks.

 

• DO NOT EVER attempt to drive through a flooded area. A flash flood can hide dips in the road, so while it may seem like a shallow amount of water, it could be fooling you. These floods can also wash away roads and the ground beneath them.

 

• Even 15 centimetres of water can affect car parts, especially in smaller passenger cars. This is enough water to cause loss of control. The water can also be sucked into air intake valve or exhaust valve, causing your Land Rover to stall in the middle of the flooded area.

 

• If you must drive through a flooded area, do so one car at a time. Don't attempt to drive when oncoming traffic is approaching the area as well.

 

• Always drive in the middle of flooded areas. This is where the water will be the most shallow.

 

Driving Emergency: Sinking

Sinking. It's something you see in the films, but it isn't something that occurs in the real world, is it? Unfortunately, it is. In fact, an estimated 350 people a year die from sinking vehicles. When this happens, there's no time to think about the fact that you're losing your car or your groceries in the back seat. You have to survive.

Cars can find themselves in a sinking situation for many reasons. Sometimes drivers drive into rivers or off of quay-sides. Other times, car parts fail and the cars roll down embankments into rivers or lakes. No matter what the situation, it's important that you take immediate action.

• Release your seatbelt and open the windows of your Land Rover. Be careful to avoid getting tangled in the seatbelts as you do this; they may not retract.

 

• Grab your head restraint if it detaches from the seat. This will not only make it easier for passengers in the back to climb over the seat and get through your window quickly, but will help you bust out the side window if the power in your car is not working.

 

• The heavy end of your car will sink first, which is the end where the engine is located. Even if the front of your car is sinking, however, you should remain in the front. The windows here are easier to get out of and generally bigger.

 

• The car won't sink right away, even if you have all the windows open. However, don't waste any time. Get yourself out and all of your passengers out. Don't attempt to save anything that isn't breathing. You can replace your cell phone and computer.

 

Driving Emergency: Railway Crossing Breakdown

Land Rover parts break down. It's a fact. After a while, even if they are perfectly maintained, they succumb to time and give up. If it happens when you're driving over a railway crossing, however, you may think they are simply out to get you.

This can be a scary experience, and one that should be avoided at all costs. When you approach a railway crossing, always make sure there is plenty of room for you to exit the area. Never stop on the crossing intentionally. Wait patiently for your turn.

If your Land Rover does decide to breakdown or stall on the tracks, there are steps you should immediately take.

• Get out. Everyone should immediately get out of the car and move at least 50 metres away from the railway crossing. Your best option is to move toward the direction the train is coming from. This will help you avoid the debris that could be flung into the air if the train hits your car.

 

• Each railway crossing has a track-side telephone. Use it to let the signalman know that your car has stalled.

 

• If the amber light is not on and no alarm is sounding, you may have enough time to attempt to move the Land Rover away from the tracks. Do so only if it is safe. Your life is much more important than your vehicle.

 

Driving Emergency: Car Fire

Car fires are extremely rare, and are almost never the fault of the petrol tank. In fact, manufacturers have designed modern cars in such a way that the tank is protected from damage in almost all accidents but the worst ones.

If you experience a car fire, it is most likely due to electric car parts and wires that have not been taken care of professionally. Do-it-yourself repairs might save you money now, but if they lead to a fire, you'll be spending a lot more money than you save.

In the event that  Land Rover parts beneath your bonnet catch fire, here are a few steps you should take.

• Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Be sure to park away from other vehicle in case the fire spreads.

 

• Turn off your Land Rover and make sure everyone exits it and moves away from the car.

 

• Do not open the bonnet. This will feed the fire with oxygen and make the situation worse. If you have a fire extinguisher, you can open the bonnet slightly, but only enough that you can aim the extinguisher under it.

 

Car fires caused by electrical Land Rover parts can grow quickly. Don't attempt to remove your belongings or unpack the boot. Remember that while petrol tanks have been designed to be protected from fire, fire can still reach them and cause them to explode. Get as far away from the car as possible to avoid injury.

 

Would you know what to do in these driving emergencies? Let us know if you've ever experienced an emergency like this and what you did to survive on it.