4 Reasons You Should Avoid Driving Through Flooded Streets

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Avoid driving through a flooded street.

Avoid Flooded Streets

Traveling through a torrential rainstorm can be a harrowing experience for any driver. Although arriving at your destination as quickly as possible may be a priority, making wise driving decisions during extreme weather is important. Key travel tips, such as avoiding a flooded street, can keep you and your passengers safe. Because of potential dangers, ignoring this important advice can have devastating consequences.

1. Threat of Drowning

It’s easy to underestimate the depth of water flowing over a roadway, especially at night. Floodwaters can also wash away the road surface, leaving nothing for your tires to grip. Both scenarios create the potential for water to overtake your vehicle. Losing control of your automobile creates a dangerous situation and increases the risk of drowning.

In addition to an accurate depth, you may also fail to recognize water speed. A fast-flowing current can carry your car away from the roadway and make it difficult to swim to safety. You may also be injured by floating debris.

2. Electrocution Hazard

Traversing a flooded street may also be hazardous due to potential storm damage. High winds can, for example, cause downed powerlines. This scenario increases the risk of electrocution.

3. Perilous for First Responders

Fast-moving currents, exposed wires and debris also create a dangerous situation for first responders dispatched to the scene. Turning around and seeking an alternative route can keep yourself and rescuers out of harms way.

4. Destroyed Engine

Flooded roads can also be detrimental to your vehicle’s integrity. Water intake can stall and destroy your engine, resulting in potentially costly repairs that could have easily been avoided.

A significant rainstorm can cause significant storm and flood damage in Cleveland, TX. Driving through the deluge can be a dangerous challenge. Although it may delay you from reaching your desired destination on time, evading a flooded street can safeguard multiple lives. For this reason, Turn Around Don’t Drown should be the travel tip you never ignore.