NewsBeat
Van gets stuck in floodwater in in Hunton village ford
Images from the village of Hunton, between Bedale and Leyburn, taken on Thursday (February 12), show the white van part submerged in water.
The incident took place in the ford on Ratten Row, close to Leyburn Road and saw the vehicle tilted towards its side and caught in trees.
The vehicle in the ford in Hunton, North Yorkshire (Image: SUPPLIED)
It’s unknown when the incident took place, but the images show slight damage to the van, while no one can be seen inside or next to the vehicle.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that they didn’t attend the scene, with North Yorkshire Council saying that it was a matter for the emergency services.
The van in the ford in Hunton (Image: SUPPLIED)
On the North Yorkshire Council website, it says to “respect road closure signs and do not drive through flood water.”
It’s believed that the ford route wasn’t closed at the time of the incident, but emergency services in North Yorkshire have previously issued guidance about floodwater.
The vehicle in Hunton, North Yorkshire (Image: SUPPLIED)
“Never drive through deep floodwater, if it’s deeper than 10cm or it’s fast flowing, it is likely to stall your engine and could leave you stranded,” it says on North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s website.
It added: “If the water seems too deep for your vehicle or it is fast flowing, turn back and go around the flood by another road.
“It might take a little longer, but that’s better than finding yourself stranded.”
The fire service also advises drivers to do this:
- Check if there is an alternative route you can take which doesn’t involve driving through any floodwater.
- Check the water depth – anything deeper than 10cm is deep and isn’t advised to drive through.
- Let oncoming vehicles pass first – they will create a bow wave that could flood your car
- Drive slowly through – use first gear, 3 to 4 mph is fast enough.
- Try to drive through the shallowest part of the road – this is usually the middle as the road cambers near the kerb.
- Test your brakes when you are out of the water and when it is safe to do so.