Driving through flooded streets can be incredibly hazardous, even if you have a vehicle that is well-equipped for handling extreme road conditions. Rising water levels and compromised roads pose serious risks, so it’s vital to know how to safely deal with the situation while prioritizing your own well-being. By taking proactive measures, employing safe driving practices, and responding effectively to the situation at hand, you can keep yourself and your passengers safe. If a dangerous road or vehicle defect causes a bad-weather crash, speak to a car accident lawyer in Charleston, SC for assistance.
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Preparing for Potential Flooding in Advance
It’s a given that you should keep an eye on weather forecasts if you expect an imminent storm or heavy rainfall. You should also stay up-to-date with real-time traffic updates and local news reports to identify flood-prone areas near you. Familiarize yourself with alternate routes that circumvent these flood zones and do not take shortcuts through potentially dangerous areas. If possible, postpone non-essential driving during periods of heavy rain or imminent flood warnings. During times when floodwaters are likely to impact your home or travel routes, consider staying with friends or family at a safer location.
Your car should always be stocked with an emergency survival kit. To be most effective in an emergency, your kit should include unopened water bottles, non-perishable snacks, warm blankets, a flashlight, a waterproof emergency radio, and a phone charger. You should also have a first aid kit available at all times. Having a well-stocked emergency kit readily available can keep you safe and healthy in an emergency.
Readying Your Car for Rainfall and Flooding
It’s crucial to check tire tread depth to ensure that your vehicle can retain grip on the road. Beyond tire tread depth, monitor tire pressure and ensure it aligns with the manufacturer’s recommended levels for optimal performance in wet conditions. Check your car’s windshield wipers to confirm that they work properly. If you notice smudges on the window or the wipers don’t clear water effectively, it’s time to replace the blades. It can be smart to carry spare wiper blades in your emergency kit for quick on-the-road changes in a pinch.
Before going out in a storm, test all your vehicle lights for functionality. You want to make sure your car’s headlights, brake lights, and turn signals all work properly. When working correctly, proper vehicle lighting improves your own visibility and communicates your intentions clearly to other drivers. Particularly in low-visibility conditions during flooding, it’s vital for other drivers to be able to see you and anticipate your actions. Consider carrying waterproof flares or reflective triangles in your emergency kit in case your vehicle becomes stranded at night.
Familiarize yourself with your car’s manual, paying particular attention to the recommended wading depth for your specific model. This information helps gauge the safety threshold for crossing flooded roads and avoid engine damage from water intake. If you frequently deal with flooding or high water levels where you live or work, consider investing in mud flaps or splash guards for additional protection against water spray and debris.
Safely Crossing a Flooded Road
Before attempting to cross any flooded area, it’s vital to determine the water’s depth and the strength of the current. If it’s possible to safely get near the flooded road, you can test the depth with a long stick or other sturdy object. When you can’t get close enough to the flooded area to physically test the depth, you can do a visual inspection. Watch other cars crossing the flooded road and see how high the water rises on their vehicle. If you notice that the water reaches another car’s doors, it is likely too high to drive through unless you have an offroading-capable vehicle. Look for signs of debris or submerged obstacles that could damage your vehicle or pose additional hazards.
When you determine the water depth is safe and crossing is unavoidable, proceed slowly and steadily in first gear. Keep a constant speed below 5 miles per hour to prevent your car from creating a bow wave. Try your best to keep the steering wheel steady and avoid sudden movements, as directional changes can cause hydroplaning. Stay in the center of your lane if possible, since the road is generally higher and there will be shallower water.
To protect yourself and your vehicle, try to cross the road when there is not an incoming vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. The wake created by an incoming vehicle can destabilize your car and cause you to lose control. Similarly, do not follow closely behind another vehicle going the same direction. If they hit a pothole, lose control, or become stuck for another reason, you will find yourself trapped right behind them.
What Should You Do if Your Car is Trapped in a Flood?
If your vehicle becomes caught in moving floodwaters, do your best to remain calm and do not panic. You should not try to exit your car through the doors and windows if the water is rapidly rising or the current is strong. Stay inside your car and call emergency services for help right away. Provide them with your location, using street names and landmarks to give first responders as accurate of a reference as possible. If possible, use a GPS app to send precise location coordinates.
As you wait for assistance, secure your seatbelt and close all windows and doors tightly. If water continues rising to a level that threatens to submerge the car, prepare to abandon the vehicle. Only abandon the car if you must do so and you are reasonably confident that you can exit the vehicle safely. Open the door slowly and carefully, ensuring you can safely climb onto higher ground without being swept away by the current.
Once you’ve safely exited the vehicle, immediately move away from the floodwaters and seek shelter in a safe location. Do not stand near structures or buildings that may have been damaged by flooding. If you have a cell phone, keep first responders aware of your situation. Stay warm and dry, and conserve your energy until help arrives.
Steps to Follow After Driving Through Floodwaters
Once you have gotten away from the floodwaters, do not attempt to restart your vehicle. Water damage can cause serious electrical and engine problems that can be made worse by restarting the car in an unsafe state. Wait for a qualified mechanic to inspect and repair your vehicle before attempting to drive it again.
Document any visible damage to your car, taking photographs and videos if possible. Having proper documentation will be crucial when it comes time to file an insurance claim and have repairs made. Contact your insurance company as soon as you can to report any flood damage and initiate the claims process.
Protecting Yourself When Driving on Flooded Roads
Safely driving on flooded roads requires you to be prepared, cautious, and aware. By staying informed about weather conditions, ensuring your vehicle is prepared to handle flooded streets, and employing safe driving practices, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with storm surges. We hope this article helps you and your loved ones stay safe the next time your area experiences heavy rainfall or flooding.
Article Last Updated: January 25, 2024.