3 Reasons You Should Not Drive Through Flooded Streets

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Driving on a flooded street puts you and your passenger at risk

Three of the Reasons You Should Not Attempt To Drive Through Floodwaters

One of the most common risks associated with flash flooding is drivers attempting to drive through water on a flooded street. 

1. You Don't Know What Is Under the Water
Flooded roads may have debris, depressions or areas that have been washed away that you can not see because they are covered by water. Attempting to drive through what may appear to be shallow water could lead to a collision with an object under the water, losing traction and sliding off a washed-out road, or driving into water that is much deeper than it appears.

2. The Water Can Damage Your Car
Another reason not to drive down a flooded street is that the water can damage your car. Water that is six inches deep can flood the exhaust of your vehicle and cause it to stall. The water may also damage the engine, transmission, cooling and electrical systems of the vehicle. If the water is deep enough, it may cause interior damage to the floorboards, seats and other surfaces that will need to be professionally cleaned to avoid mold growth and other problems.

3. You Could Drown
About half of all flood-related drowning deaths occur because of drivers attempting to drive through floodwaters. Six inches of water can cause your vehicle to lose traction with the road. 12 inches of water will cause most cars to float. Large trucks and SUVs will float in two feet of water. Passengers in a car that gets swept off the road by floodwaters are at a high risk of drowning, which is why travel tips for Brookhaven, GA advise drivers to turn around instead of driving through floodwaters.
Attempting to drive down a flooded street puts you, your passengers and your vehicle at risk. For these three reasons, do not attempt to drive through floodwaters.