Why You Should Avoid Driving on Flooded Streets

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

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

Remember These Travel Tips As You Navigate

After a storm or prolonged rainfall in Windsor Park, TX, low-lying areas can be flooded, including roadways. Sometimes it appears that water across a road is not very deep, and you may be tempted to cross it. However, it's not a good idea to drive on a flooded street. 

Deep Water Can Look Shallow
A flooded road can be deceiving, especially at night. Water can appear to be shallow enough to drive through, but it's often hard to tell by viewing it from the surface. Underneath, hidden hazards can include:

• Asphalt that is worn away by the storm
• Downed electrical wires
• Other debris or obstacles

Even if your car's bumper clears the surface, water can be sucked into the engine's intake and stall or ruin your engine.

Shallow Water Can Carry a Vehicle
It only takes 12 inches of water on a flooded street to move a small car, and 24 inches of water will carry away most automobiles. Trucks and SUVs with increased ground clearance are also vulnerable on flooded roads.
Once floodwaters pick up a car, the driver loses control, and the vehicle can flip on its side or turn over. The vehicle may hit an obstacle, such as a tree or other vehicles. Water can enter the car within minutes.

Stay Safe in a Flood
The National Weather Service has a motto if you encounter flooded roads: "Turn around; don't drown." Your best line of defense is not to risk driving through water. The extra amount of time it takes to find an alternate route is worth it to save your vehicle and keep you safe.
If your home has flood damage after a storm, call a professional storm damage specialist to take care of repairs. If you need to leave, avoiding a flooded street is always the best idea. It can save you and your passengers from danger and protect your vehicle.