The Reasons Why You Should Not Drive During a Flood

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Never drive through a flooded roadway. Turn around, don’t drown

If you experience flashing flooding in Leisure World, AZ, the best advice is to steer clear of any flooded street you encounter. Though the water may appear shallow, it does not take much to stall your vehicle or, worse, cause it to swept away by the floodwaters. You can avoid personal injury and car damage by arming yourself with knowledge about road conditions during floods.

Flood Water vs. Your Car

While it is best to stay home when weather conditions are severe, flash flooding occurs quickly and you may get caught in the downfall while driving your vehicle. If possible, you should turn around when you encounter flooded roads. You may think you can simply drive through the water, but it only takes a few inches of water to stop your car:

• Six inches cause loss of vehicle control
  
• One foot causes most vehicles to float
  
• Two feet can carry the vehicle away
  
  

Though you may have a strong vehicle, it is not necessarily a match for the rushing force of water. If on your drive home you see a flooded street, you are advised to find an alternative route.

Navigating Roads During a Flood

Another reason to avoid floodwaters is the difficulty in navigating out of them. It may appear safe to simply exit your stalled vehicle, but even just a few inches of rushing water can send you flying off your feet. If the water was enough to halt your car, then chances are you will not be much better equipped. Flood conditions make navigation challenging, so if you heed any travel tips during severe weather conditions, the number one should be: Avoid flooded roads at all costs. Accidents are sometimes unavoidable, and if you do experience any storm damage, then the best option is to contact a disaster recovery team for assistance. Otherwise, the best advice is to keep clear of any flooded street you encounter while driving.