What to do if a Road is Flooded
With the Cape Town storm bringing extreme
weather across the Western Cape, chances are that a lot of roads will be filled
with water and possibly flooded.
The water may not look deep and you might think
that you can drive through; however it is a powerful force that can cause
serious danger.
Here are some tips to keep yourself and
your car safe if you are ever faced with a flood.
Never drive through a flooded area that can
be avoided…
Ø If you see barricades, pay attention and find an alternative route
Ø The most important rule of driving through a flooded area is – DON’T!
Ø It’s impossible to tell how deep the water is, or the condition of
the water below
Ø Your vehicles engine can get seriously damaged if it ingests too
much water
Ø In about one foot (30cm) of water a vehicle can lose traction and
possible float away
Ø NEVER, EVER try your luck and drive through moving water, your
vehicle will be swept away
Ø Use this as a rule: If you cannot see the markings on the road, then
the water is too deep to drive through
If you cannot avoid driving through a
flooded area then use these rules…
Ø Try and see how deep the water is by watching other vehicles as they
drive through the water
Ø Drive slowly and steadily – NEVER enter the water at a high speed
Ø Watch out for electrical cables and power lines and avoid driving in
that water
Ø Be on the lookout for hazards underneath the water as well as items
travelling downstream
Ø If your brakes are not functioning properly, you will need to dry
them out by pressing on the brakes lightly while still proceeding to drive
slowly
Ø Should the worst happen and your vehicle becomes trapped in the
water, immediately exit and head to higher ground
Ø Whatever should happen, always try to remain calm at all times!
The best tip that will keep yourself and
your vehicle completely safe is to avoid driving in flooded conditions altogether!
Comments
Post a Comment