AA records record number of call outs

Thanks to floods causing havoc across the UK, the AA has reported it has experienced its busiest ever day for flood-related call-outs.

By midnight last night, the AA had attended 804 cars driven through or stuck in flood water and its specialist water rescue Land Rover crews worked late into the night in the affected areas.

The organisation was called out to more than 13,000 breakdowns; around 900 every hour.

Darron Burness, the AA's head of special operation, said: With the ground so saturated, flash flooding was a real issue yesterday with many people getting stuck.

"We alone attended 804 cars stuck in flood water, making it our busiest day ever for flooding call-outs but, unfortunately, today could be just as bad with more heavy rain forecast, particularly in western areas."

The AA has issued advice on how best to deal with flooded roads.

A press release said: "Drivers really need to be careful and be prepared for sudden road closures. We also see some drivers plough into flood water, somewhat oblivious to the risks.

"Unfortunately, the air intake on modern cars is often quite low and it takes just a tiny amount of water entering it to wreck the engine. Stay out of flood water where possible, certainly if it's moving or more than four inches deep.

"Yesterday our patrols reported seeing many people driving far too fast in the conditions. Stopping distances can increase significantly in the wet, so keep your speed down and maintain a larger gap between you and the vehicle in front.

"Bear in mind that surface water can mask dips in the road and potholes, which can catch you out.

"Surface spray is an issue too, so you must use your headlights if visibility is seriously reduced."

AA head of roads policy Paul Watters added: "Autumn leaves and exceptional rainfall unsurprisingly lead to flooding but local road maintenance is often the poor relation when it comes to local spending and more should be invested in tracking, clearing and improving drainage systems.

"We also urge landowners to co-operate with highway authorities when flooding problems occur."