How to Safely Drive During a Flood

In a news release , the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provided tips on how to safely navigate your vehicle through floodwaters.

According to NOAA, more deaths are attributed to flooding than any other thunderstorm related hazard. Many of these fatalities occur when vehicles are swept downstream by rushing water. Many of these deaths are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around signs warning of flooding. There is no way to know the depth of the water, or the condition of the road underneath.

The first piece of advice NOAA offers is that, if you come upon a flooded road, you need to turn around. NOAA suggests monitoring the weather via some form of news. If flooding happens in your area, get to higher ground. Get out of low areas like dips, low spots, canyons and washes. Try to avoid areas that are already flooded, especially if fast-flowing water is present. Roadbeds can become washed out by floodwaters. Never drive through a flooded roadway. If your vehicle becomes caught in rising water, leave it immediately and go to higher ground. Never camp or park your vehicle near stream and washes, especially in threatening conditions. Nighttime poses particular difficulties with seeing rising floodwaters, so exercise extra caution in the dark.

As a Charleston personal injury attorney , I’ve seen the aftereffects of flood damage and understand the risk these conditions pose to residents. As a personal injury lawyer , I hope sharing this information will help to keep the residents of our community safer during the rainy season.