Turn Around Don’t Drown: Road Safety During Flooding
Driving in hazardous weather conditions can be dangerous, and one of the most perilous situations for drivers is encountering flooded roads. Every year, numerous accidents and fatalities occur due to drivers underestimating the power of floodwaters. The message is clear: Turn Around Don’t Drown. When faced with a flooded roadway, the safest option is always to avoid it. At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize the importance of road safety during flooding to ensure that drivers are well-prepared for such dangerous conditions.
In this blog, we will explore why driving through floodwaters is so risky, the steps you should take to stay safe, and how proper preparation can make a significant difference during flooding situations. Whether you’re an experienced driver or new to the roads, it’s crucial to understand that flooded roads are deadly.
1. Why Driving Through Floodwater Is Extremely Dangerous
The Power of Water
Water might seem harmless, but it is far more powerful than many people realize, especially when it’s moving. Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock over an adult, and as little as 12 inches of water can sweep away most vehicles, including SUVs and trucks. The force of moving water can quickly become overwhelming, and once a vehicle is swept off the road, the chances of escape are slim.
Floodwaters also conceal hazards beneath the surface. You might think the water on the road is shallow, but hidden currents, potholes, or debris can destabilize your vehicle. Worse yet, water that seems only a few inches deep can often be much deeper than expected, especially if the road has been eroded or compromised by the flood. This is why the Turn Around Don’t Drown slogan is critical—it’s simply not worth the risk.
Hidden Dangers
Flooded roads don’t just present immediate physical dangers like currents and deep water; they can also conceal hidden hazards:
Debris: Floating debris like tree branches, trash, and even entire objects can puncture tires or damage your vehicle.
Downed power lines: These can electrify the water, posing an additional fatal risk.
Road collapse: Floodwaters can erode the road’s surface, leaving sinkholes or washed-out sections, making it impossible to gauge the safety of the road underneath.
By driving through flooded areas, you’re putting yourself and any passengers at significant risk. That’s why it's crucial to heed the warnings and always Turn Around Don’t Drown.
2. How to Stay Safe During Flooding
Heed Weather Alerts and Road Signs
The best way to stay safe during flooding is to stay informed. Pay attention to weather alerts and warnings issued by local authorities. If flood warnings are in effect, avoid non-essential travel altogether. If you absolutely must drive, make sure to plan your route ahead of time and avoid areas prone to flooding.
Road signs warning of flooding or barriers blocking the road should never be ignored. These signs are placed to protect drivers from potentially life-threatening conditions. Even if the road ahead looks passable, remember that flood conditions can worsen quickly, and you might be driving into deeper water than anticipated.
What to Do If You Encounter a Flooded Road
If you come across a flooded road, the number one rule is to Turn Around Don’t Drown. Never attempt to drive through floodwaters, no matter how shallow they seem. Take an alternate route, or, if no other route is available, find a safe place to pull over and wait for the water to recede.
If you are trapped and cannot avoid the floodwaters, the key is to remain calm. Here are a few steps to follow:
Stay in the vehicle if the water is shallow and you’re unsure of the situation outside.
Call for help immediately if you’re trapped, providing your exact location and condition.
If water is rising inside your vehicle, it’s critical to exit the car carefully—roll down a window or try to escape through the roof and move to higher ground as quickly as possible.
These situations are rare, but knowing what to do can make all the difference.
3. Preparing Your Vehicle for Flooding Conditions
Stay Prepared with Emergency Supplies
One of the best ways to protect yourself during flooding is to ensure that you’re prepared before you ever hit the road. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes:
A first aid kit
Non-perishable food and water
Flares or reflective warning triangles
A flashlight
A battery-powered radio
Blankets
These supplies can help you if you are stranded and waiting for assistance. It’s also smart to carry a portable phone charger in case your phone battery runs out during an emergency.
Know Your Vehicle’s Limits
Certain vehicles are better equipped to handle flooded roads, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Even large trucks or SUVs can get swept away by strong floodwaters. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's ground clearance and be aware of its limitations when it comes to water depth. At Get Drivers Ed, we advise all drivers to avoid overestimating their vehicle’s capabilities when dealing with dangerous weather conditions.
4. Road Safety Starts with Education
Defensive Driving Techniques for Flooded Roads
At Get Drivers Ed, we encourage drivers to always approach road safety with a defensive mindset. Defensive driving techniques become even more critical during hazardous weather conditions like flooding. Knowing how to react and stay safe in difficult situations is a valuable skill that can help prevent accidents and save lives.
If you’re looking to enhance your road safety knowledge, our online defensive driving courses offer comprehensive training to help you develop essential driving skills. Learning how to respond during emergencies, such as floods, ensures you can make the right decisions in the heat of the moment.
Stay Updated on Safe Driving Practices
It’s important to stay updated on safe driving practices, especially when it comes to handling emergency situations like flooding. Whether you’re an experienced driver or just starting out, taking a refresher course or learning new defensive driving strategies can significantly improve your safety on the road.
