Driving Tips

Tips and guidance on driving in floods and standing surface water

Pull on to the hard shoulder and stop as far to the left as possible with the wheels turned to the left.
Leave your sidelights on and turn on the hazard warning lights. Get out of the vehicle by the left-hand door and make sure that all your passengers do the same. Keep clear of the road and hard shoulder, go up the bank if possible.

If you have reflective jackets in the vehicle wear them. Do not use a warning triangle on the hard shoulder. Don't attempt any repairs yourself..

Once in a safe place phone an emergency breakdown company and tell them where you are Driver Location Signs will pinpoint your location and direction of travel, and there are reference numbers on all telephones and marker posts.

If you don't have a mobile walk to an emergency telephone on your side of the carriageway - follow the arrows on the posts at the back of the hard shoulder – the phone is free and connects directly to the police/Highways Agency. Give full details to the police and tell them if you are a vulnerable motorist, such as a woman travelling alone.

If you are not a member of the AA, RAC Green Flag etc here is a list of several car and vehical recovery firms for the Bude area. Most will deal with everything from a puncture, to emptying a petrol tank filled with diseal (done that been there!) to serious mechanical failure. Once you get in click the 'Distance' tab for the nearest ones to you. Good luck!

The SURVIVE Group is a partnership between the Highways Agency, the Association of Chief Police Officers, the breakdown/recovery industry and other service providers. The website has advice on how to drive safely in a wide range of driving conditions and advice on planning your journey.

Advice on checking tyres, electrics, antifreeze, etc. and how to drive in snow and ice