Driving through flooded roads is one of the most dangerous decisions a motorist can make. What might appear as a shallow puddle can quickly become a life-threatening situation. Here’s why you should never attempt to drive through flooded areas:
It Only Takes 6 Inches
Just six inches of water can cause loss of control and stalling in most passenger vehicles. Water can be drawn into the engine through the air intake, causing immediate engine failure—a costly repair that insurance may not cover.
Twelve Inches Will Float Your Car
Water reaching one foot in depth can float many vehicles, including SUVs and pickups. Once your vehicle begins to float, you’ve lost all control and are at the mercy of the current.
Two Feet of Moving Water Can Sweep Away Most Vehicles
Even large vehicles like trucks and SUVs can be carried away by just 24 inches of flowing water. The force of water is incredibly powerful—each cubic yard of water weighs nearly a ton.
Floodwaters often conceal:
Washed-out roads and bridges, Dangerous debris, Downed electrical lines, Open manholes and sewers, Rapidly deepening water
What to do If you encounter a flooded road:
- Turn around
- Find an alternate route, even if it’s longer
- Wait for waters to recede
- If trapped by rising waters, abandon your vehicle and move to higher ground immediately
- Call emergency services if you’re in a dangerous situation
Remember: No appointment, meeting, or destination is worth risking your life. When facing flooded roads, the safest decision is always to turn around.