3 Reasons Not To Drive on Flooded Streets

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

It is better to turn around, rather than take a chance on driving

Three Reasons Not To Drive Through Floodwaters

The temptation to drive down a flooded street can be difficult to resist for many drivers. You have somewhere you need to be and you do not want to waste time looking for a way around. It is just a little bit of water and you do not think it looks that dangerous. However, floodwaters can be deceiving. These are three of the reasons you should not drive through floodwaters.

1. It Could Be More Dangerous Than You Think
Six inches of water on a flooded street can be all it takes to cause a vehicle's tires to lose traction, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle. 12 inches of water can cause most vehicles to float, which can lead to the vehicle being swept off the road. It can often be difficult to visually judge the depth of floodwaters. For this reason, it is better to turn around, rather than take a chance on driving through what you think is a safe amount of water.
2. You Could Drown
According to the CDC, more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when people attempt to drive down flooded roads. In addition to putting the passengers in your vehicle at risk, first responders or bystanders who may attempt to assist you are also at risk of drowning.
3. Your Vehicle Could Be Destroyed
Driving through standing water can damage your vehicle's engine, brakes, power steering, and electrical systems. Even shallow waters can be sucked into your vehicle's engine, causing severe damage.
The dangers of driving down a flooded street are easy to misjudge and can result in the loss of your vehicle or even your life. In most situations, it is better to turn around and find another route to where you are going than to risk driving through floodwater. If you are experiencing flooding in Suwanee, GA, consult your local Department of Transportation for travel tips and consider contacting flood remediation specialists to assist you with any flood damage to your home.