Your Pre-Travel Digital Toolkit
Before you even pick up your keys, your smartphone is your most powerful tool. General navigation apps are useful, but dedicated flood-monitoring apps can provide more specific and timely information. The Indian government's 'FloodWatch' app provides
forecasts and real-time data from water monitoring stations across the country. For city-specific information, local authorities are also launching dedicated tools. For example, 'WaterWatch Gurugram' offers real-time updates on waterlogging hotspots, while IIT-Bombay has developed a similar platform for Mumbai. Check these resources alongside your usual traffic apps to get a clearer picture of which routes are compromised. Social media platforms can also be a source of real-time, user-generated updates on local conditions.
Essential Pre-Monsoon Vehicle Checks
The best way to handle a waterlogged road is to have a car that's prepared for it. Before the season's first downpour, a few checks are non-negotiable. First, inspect your tyres for adequate tread depth to prevent skidding on slick surfaces. Second, have your brakes checked; wet roads demand optimal braking performance. Third, test all your lights—headlights, tail lights, and indicators. In heavy rain, being visible to others is as crucial as your own visibility. Finally, replace worn wiper blades. Stiff, cracked blades will only smear water across your windscreen, dangerously obscuring your view when you need it most.
How to 'Read' a Flooded Road
The cardinal rule of driving through water is simple: if you can't be sure of the depth, don't risk it. It takes surprisingly little water to cause major problems. Just six inches of water can be enough to stall many passenger cars, and a foot of water can cause some vehicles to float, leading to a complete loss of control. Two feet of rushing water can sweep away even larger vehicles like SUVs. Before proceeding, look for clues. Is the water flowing quickly? Can you see the pavement or road markings? Are other cars of a similar size making it through without issue? If the water is murky, you have no way of knowing if the road beneath has been eroded or if there are hidden obstacles like open manholes or debris. When in doubt, turn around.
Safe Driving Techniques for Water Crossings
If you determine a waterlogged patch is shallow and safe to cross, do so with caution. Maintain a low, steady speed—ideally in a low gear—to create a small 'bow wave' in front of your vehicle. This helps push water away from the engine's air intake. Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, as this can lead to hydroplaning, where your tyres lose contact with the road. After you've cleared the water, gently tap your brakes a few times to help dry them out and ensure they are functioning correctly before you pick up speed. Driving through water can cause serious damage to your car's engine, electrical systems, and transmission, so it should only be done when absolutely necessary.
What to Do If You Get Stuck
Getting stuck is a frightening experience, but panic is your enemy. If your car stalls in water, do not try to restart the engine. This can draw water into the engine and cause a catastrophic failure known as a hydro-lock. If the water is not rising rapidly, stay in your vehicle and call for assistance. If the water level begins to rise, your priority is your own safety. Unbuckle your seatbelt and try to exit through a window before the water pressure makes opening the doors impossible. If you are trapped, get to the highest point possible, which may be the roof of your car, and wait for rescue.
Considering the Alternatives
Sometimes, the smartest decision is to leave the car at home. Heavy rain brings other cities to a standstill because they are reliant on cars and motorcycles. Consider if public transport offers a viable alternative for your journey. Many transit apps allow you to plan routes with the least amount of walking, which is a bonus in a downpour. If your commute is short, walking or cycling (with appropriate rain gear) can be more resilient options than driving, as you can more easily navigate around localised flooding. In severe weather, working from home, if possible, is always the safest bet.
