Heavy rainfall on the M25 brought chaos and multiple accidents as drivers ignored warnings about aquaplaning, putting themselves, and others at risk. Essex Police reported a series of “numerous avoidable” incidents, with one particular case highlighting the dangers of disregarding weather conditions.

In one incident, a Mercedes collided with another vehicle after hitting standing water on the road, leading to the closure of the motorway between Junction 26 (J26) and Junction 27 (J27) for half an hour. The five occupants of the damaged cars were found standing amidst speeding traffic on the central reservation, exposing themselves to immense danger.

The rain created treacherous conditions,” explained a police spokesperson. “Drivers who failed to adjust their speed to the wet road ended up aquaplaning and causing accidents. Hundreds were needlessly delayed by these avoidable incidents.”

The spokesperson stressed the importance of safety in the event of a crash. “If you’re involved in an accident on the motorway, prioritize getting to the hard shoulder as far away from your car as possible. Do not risk entering live lanes under any circumstances.

Aquaplaning is a phenomenon that occurs when a layer of water separates the vehicle’s tires from the road surface, resulting in a loss of control for the driver. Police urged motorists to take precautionary measures, including adjusting their speed, maintaining a safe following distance, and avoiding sudden braking in wet conditions.

Heavy rain is no excuse for reckless driving,” the spokesperson concluded. “Think of your safety and the safety of others. Slow down, stay alert, and ensure you reach your destination safely.”

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heeding weather warnings and driving responsibly, particularly in adverse conditions where the risk of accidents is significantly heightened