How do I drive through a flash flood? Dont.
With all the rain that Southeast Queensland has been receiving this wet season and myself falling victim to a flash flood, what better topic to touch on.
The best way to tackle flooded roads is to avoid them as far as possible and find another way to reach your destination, even if it means travelling longer. It is always better than getting stuck. Keep your radio on to get information of road and flood conditions if you live in regularly affected areas.
Watch the road
If you come across a corner with the road ahead filled with water it is a good idea to turn around and search for another route. Water is very powerful and it is difficult to cut across it. Driving through flooded water can be risky as your car can even get overturned by the water force. It is also difficult to turn back once you enter flooded waters. There is also the risk of water entering your car through the exhaust pipe and cutting the engine.
Judging the conditions
It is nearly impossible to predict whether a flood is safe to drive in. The water can be much deeper than it appears on the surface. Also there might be debris, potholes etc which are impossible to see from above. Just 30cm deep water is enough to float a car as there is no tyre traction to move your car forward. If the water level keeps rising the situation can worsen, even sinking your car.
Driving on bridges
Nothing is more riskier than crossing a bridge that is under flood water as there are chances that part of the bridge can be swept away. Even if the bridge is in good condition the force of the water can be strong enough to sweep you down the river.
Wet brakes
When driving in flood water there is always the problem of the wet tyres and brake pads having difficulty getting traction and proper grip. It is good practice to pump your brakes lightly for a minute after you come out of flood waters to fix this.