In the UK the Highway Code rules 121 & 126 would have saved your father the trouble
121
If you have driven through deep water your brakes may be less effective. Test them at the first safe opportunity by pushing gently on the brake pedal to make sure that they work. If they are not fully effective, gently apply light pressure while driving slowly. This will help to dry them out.

126
Stopping Distances. Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear.

I'm sure there are similar rules in other countries, but really it is just common sense.
( Ghoti Fingers, Wed 15 May 2013, 7:31, 2 replies)

The highway code used to contain the amusing line

..."always give way to trains."

I love the idea that some people need to be told that.
(moon monkey is busy making memories worth repressing, Wed 15 May 2013, 11:11, closed)

The fact that people still die on rail crossings
shows that plenty of people are very slow on the uptake.
( monster munch person, man, woman... camera... TV?, Wed 15 May 2013, 11:15, closed)

Well he knows now, but has given up driving at 87.
I learned something from it too. But I don't think there was such a highway code in Queensland in the 1960s. They seemed to be more concerned about how close to a pillar box you could park.
(Redemption blamed it on the Bossa Nova since, Thu 16 May 2013, 5:57, closed)