In an ideal and perfect world, nobody would need to be on the road during severe weather like storms or floods. Unfortunately, we live in a very imperfect and broken world, and an aspect to this means unsafe conditions can strike at any time while you are driving. Staying prepared and constantly refreshing your mind regarding best practices for driving in a flood or storm can be the difference between life and death. 

How Do You Safely Drive Through Storm Conditions

The ideal way to stay safe during a storm is to stay put until the weather passes and conditions become safer. The National Weather Services advises to stay put in their “Turn Around Don’t Drown” campaign. However, if you’re already on the road, this advice doesn’t help much. So what can you do now?

• Avoid low-lying areas that can quickly become flooded, and try to stay on the higher ground.
• Don’t drive through the water until you have estimated how deep it may be. Water can appear more shallow than it is. Just 6 inches of water can cause a loss of traction for a vehicle. And just 12 inches can pick up and carry away a small car. If you aren’t sure how deep it is, turn around. Don’t drown. 
• Drive slowly and cautiously if the water is determined not to be deep. Your brakes may not work efficiently if you attempt to drive through water just a few inches high, so it’s best to maintain a low and slow speed. 
• Never attempt to drive past a barricade if you come across one on your journey during a storm. It may be annoying that you must figure out a new route, but this barricade is likely for your good and safety. These deep waters can contain washed-out roads, electrical wires, and chemicals. 

What Should I Do If I’m Trapped in Rising Flood Waters?

Getting trapped in rising flood water is a terrifying situation. However, there are steps a driver can take to survive and escape safely. 

• If your car stalls, but flood waters have not gotten high enough to start flooding your vehicle, you should immediately exit the car and walk to higher ground directly. 
• If flood waters rapidly rise around you, try lowering your windows slowly, unbuckle your seatbelt, and prepare to exit through the window to higher ground. Avoid opening the door unless you cannot escape through the window, as that will increase your car’s flooding rate. 
• As quickly as possible, get to dry land to minimize your time in flood waters. The water could be contaminated, carrying dangerous debris, or suddenly surge and sweep you into a current. 
• Never return to the vehicle during flooding. It is not worth risking your life. 

Driving through a storm is just one of many dangers where severe weather can threaten drivers. Car accidents are also an important factor that increases risk during a storm. If you have sustained injuries in a recent car accident due to another driver’s negligence, our attorneys are here to help you. 

Contact us immediately to learn how we can assist you in the aftermath of a car accident.