When crossing flood water, choose the best driving method.

• A. Maintain high speed
• B. Drive slowly in a low gear with high engine speed
• C. Drive slowly in a high gear
• D. Drive at normal speed

Answer: (B)

When crossing flood water, the goal is to keep the engine reliably supplied with air and maintain steady power with enough control to avoid stalling or losing traction. Using a low gear provides the necessary torque at low road speeds, so you don’t have to push the accelerator hard to move forward. Keeping the engine revs relatively high helps ensure the engine continues to run smoothly if water splashes around or the load changes, and it helps maintain airflow to the engine instead of risking stalling or water entering the air intake. Driving slowly gives you control over the vehicle, minimizes water spray that can splash into components, and reduces the chance of creating waves that could destabilize you. In contrast, going too fast increases the risk of losing traction, forcing water into exhaust or critical systems, and makes it harder to react to sudden depth or obstructions. If the water is deeper than you can safely handle or conditions are uncertain, stop and reassess rather than continuing.