How Can I Drive Safely on Flooded Roads?

Many areas of the U.S., especially in the Midwest, have received torrential amounts of rainfall this year that has led to widespread flooding. As a result, water-covered roadways have entrapped many careless drivers who disregarded local flood warnings, causing countless injuries and even some fatalities. Because many people in flood-impacted areas still need to work and reach their homes, driving through floodwaters is sometimes unavoidable. If this describes you, use these safety tips for driving on flooded roads from the experts.   

Why are Flood Waters Dangerous?   

According to FEMA (www.fema.gov), most flood-related deaths happen when people try to drive through rising waters rather than around them. Rushing water crossing a roadway can generate a tremendous amount of force, while even standing water poses a threat to larger vehicles and their occupants. Based on pavement water levels, here are some potential driving hazards floodwaters create: 

• Six inches. This will cause a vehicle’s tires to lose traction and slide out of control.
• Twelve inches. Most passenger cars will start floating in a foot of water. Once that happens, you can’t steer or brake. Moving floodwaters can then quickly carry you downstream or into an obstacle. 
• Two feet. These floodwaters are risky for even the largest vehicles, like pickup trucks and SUVs, as they produce enough force to wash them away. 
• Over two feet. In addition to the risk for getting swept away, if you attempt to navigate two feet or more of water your vehicle may experience what’s called “hydrolocking”. Hydrolock occurs when water enters your motor’s combustion chamber and prevents it from running. Once the engine stalls out, you’ll be hopelessly stranded. 

Even minimal amounts of standing water on the pavement can induce dangerous hydroplaning, causing you to hit a passing vehicle or stationary object. 

Staying Safe on Flooded Roads 

Now that you’ve seen the potential dangers of driving on flooded roads, here are some safety tips:

Obey Barricades 

There’s an old saying for those who live and drive in flood zones: “Turn around, don’t drown.” In other words, if there’s a DOT barricade set up, don’t ignore it. Instead, turn around and take an alternate route.

Avoid Standing Water 

As was mentioned earlier, even small amounts of standing water can cause hazardous road conditions. Avoid driving through standing water unless you know how deep it is, and what lies beneath. And, that also includes parking lots. 

If You Have No Other Choice 

There may be situations, for example, if you’re a first responder, where you have no choice but to pass through floodwaters. If no other alternate route is available, take these precautions: 

• Try to estimate the depth of the water. For example, observe passing cars and how far up the water comes on their wheels. 
• Drive slowly and methodically through the water.
• Be aware of any downed power lines that have contacted the water because electric current can easily pass through water and into your metal-encased vehicle. 
• Watch for large items, like logs, that are moving downstream, as those can trap or crush your vehicle and its occupants. 
• Stay off your phone unless it’s an emergency. Floods are no time for distracted driving!
• Once you emerge from water that’s at least at tire-rim level, dry your brake pads off at a low speed by gently braking while on a clear patch of road. 
• If your vehicle stalls out in deeper water, try restarting it. Keep in mind that by doing so before the engine is dried out it could seriously damage it. 
• If your vehicle won’t restart while you’re trapped in water, immediately abandon it and seek higher ground, like a nearby tree. Roll down the window or open the door to escape the vehicle, and call 911 or flag down a passing vehicle for help. 

Promptly Find Flood-Related Auto Body Repairs Here 

Not only are flood waters dangerous, they can also damage your vehicle’s interior and exterior. When you need some flood-related repairs, promptly locate a good auto body or glass repair shop through the nationwide Carwise referral network. Collision repair shops listed on Carwise have the I-CAR and ASE-certified technicians, services and know-how to restore your ride like new again promptly and reliably. 

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.