Driving tips for heavy rain as flood warnings issued for Berkshire

Advice is being offered to drivers on how to drive safely in severe rain, as flood warning have been issued across the country.

The Environment Agency is warning communities across England and Wales to remain vigilant and alert for flooding as heavy rain is set to continue today and into Tuesday.

Commuters across the country have already experienced disruption this morning on roads and rail lines affected by flooding, and further impacts could be seen today.

Meanwhile road safety charity IAM offered tips to drivers for how to cope in heavy rain and wind.

• Before you set off, set your heater controls – rain makes the windows mist up in seconds. You don’t want to be fiddling with controls when you should be concentrating on the road.

• Slow down. In the rain your stopping distance should be at least doubled. Giving yourself more space helps you to avoid spray, especially when following a large vehicle.

• Keep your eyes on the road ahead and plan your driving so that you can brake, accelerate and steer smoothly – harsh manoeuvres will unbalance the car.

• Strong winds can also unsettle your car and even change your direction of travel. Grip your steering wheel firmly and be aware of the effects of the elements on other road users, particularly motorcyclists and flat-sided vehicles.

• See and be seen. Put your lights on – as a rule of thumb, whenever you need to use your wipers you should also turn your headlights on, and before overtaking put your wipers on their fastest setting.

Call the Environment Agency Flood Line on 0845 9881188.

See our traffic and travel page for more information.