Motorists urged to follow major driving tip during Storm Babet to avoid £5k fine

Driving in the rain is never fun and with Storm Babet on the loose, it can get dangerous.

UK weather forecasters have warned Brits to be on high alert as 40ft waves destroyed a 128-year-old lighthouse and sent an entire town into evacuation.

With that said, it's important for motorists to take extra care behind the wheel as driving in rain offers many challenges which could lead to delays, accidents or worse.

READ MORE: UK weather maps show exactly where snow will fall today after Storm Babet chaos

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Now motoring and cycling retailer Halfords compiled a list of top five tips to keep drivers safe during wet weather.

1. Flood warning

If you're approaching a road with a flood, the first thing you should do is find an alternative route. If that's not possible, check if you can see where the flood ends and if there are any curbs to determine the depth of the water.

Most cars have 5-6inches of ground clearance. But drivers should be wary of flood water as it can be hiding debris, potholes or even open drains.

2. If you've driven through water

Your engine might begin to make an unusual sound, so switch off your car and seek professional help. It takes as little as an egg-cup full of water entering your engine to cause damage.

3. Wet brakes

How do you see if your brakes are wet? It will feel like you have to push harder on your brakes with your vehicle reducing speed more slowly.

It's important not to stop when exiting water, but do so at a slow speed (around 5-15mph) and gently apply pressure to the brake pedal for periods of 2-3 seconds between four to five times until the brakes become more responsive.

However, if you notice that your brakes still feel heavy and slow, pull over and seek assistance from a professional.

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4. If water gets inside

The best option is to leave all your windows and doors open to allow some fresh air inside the car. It is advised to remove mats to assist with drying.

Leaving the engine running has little effect on drying the interior of the car so it's better to pick up a dehumidifier.

5. Avoid splashing

Braking speeds are impacted when there's excess water on the roads, so it is very important to reduce your speed. Many motorists don't know that splashing pedestrians can lead to a £5,000 fine.

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