Night rain, glare and a flooded dip on a rural road
You are driving a 40-tonne articulated combination at 22:00 on an unlit rural road. Heavy rain has been falling for an hour. Your load is bagged fertiliser under a tarpaulin. Ahead, the road dips and water crosses the carriageway for about 25 m. You estimate the water is 30 cm deep at the edge, but you cannot see the far side because an oncoming truck has its high beams on. The truck is moving fast and is already close. There are white marker posts on your right, but one is bent. Your brakes are wet, your wipers are working, and the cab is beginning to mist up. The nearest town is 18 km ahead.
1. How should you approach the flooded section at night?
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Slow down early, dip your lights, and stop before the water if you cannot judge depth. Do not rely on the oncoming truck's headlights. Look for marker posts, fences, or the road edge; at night, water reflects light and hides potholes. 30 cm may be within a heavy truck's wading ability, but the bottom and current are unknown. If the water is moving, or you cannot see the far edge, do not cross. If you decide to cross, select a low gear, keep steady momentum, avoid stopping or changing gear, and do not race the engine. After crossing, test brakes gently.
2. What about the oncoming high beams?
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Do not stare at the lights. Look toward the right edge of your lane and use the road marking or verge as a guide. Slow to a speed from which you can stop within the distance you can see. If the glare is blinding, reduce speed sharply and, if necessary, stop on your side before the water-not in it. Flash your lights once to remind the other driver, but do not retaliate with high beams. A loaded 40-tonne combination needs much more distance to stop on wet asphalt.
3. What if the engine stalls in the water?
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Do not restart repeatedly; water can enter the air intake and hydraulic-lock the engine. Switch off, keep the cab closed, and get out only if it is safe and the water is not deep or fast. Move to higher ground and call emergency services. Do not open the door into a strong current. After recovery, do not run the engine until the air filter, intake, and oils are checked. Document the incident for the operator.