Remember: if it’s flooded, forget it
RACQ is reminding motorists to never drive through floodwaters as the severe weather season approaches.
Here in Queensland driving into floodwaters is the number one cause of flood-related death.
We see it all too often, where people risk their lives by attempting to drive through flooded roads.
It doesn’t matter how good you are at driving or whether you have a four-wheel-drive, you cannot control or see what is under the water.
If the water is deeper than the bottom of your car door it is enough to float your vehicle away or splash the engine and cause it to stall.
Floodwaters also hide road washouts and submerged objects which can cause vehicles to become stuck or wash away. Once your vehicle starts floating there is nothing you can do.
RACQ Road Safety and Technical Manager Joel Tucker has provided some key safety messages to keep in mind this severe weather season.
Safety messages
- During a storm or severe weather, avoid using the roads and stay home if you can.
- Take heed of road closure signage.
- Do not remove a “road closed” sign.
- Know that the water may be deeper than you think.
- Know that submerged objects can damage your vehicle.
- Plan your trips and routes: up-to-date information on the road network, including incidents and closures, is available by phoning the Transport and Main Roads Department on 13 19 40 or visiting their road conditions website. You can access TMR’s road conditions website by clicking here.
- Plan alternative routes.
- Check the weather forecast before leaving.
- Call triple zero (000) and ask for the Queensland Fire Department if you are caught, or you see someone caught, in a flooded waterway. For non-life-threatening flood emergencies call SES on 132 500.
- If you find yourself driving during a severe storm or hail, slow down, turn your lights on, double your following distance to the car in front to at least four seconds (allow more space if you are towing) and find a safe spot to stop well away from high-speed traffic, not on the side of a highway or motorway.
- Before storm season, make sure you check your wipers are working and the blades are functioning properly, your tyres are in good condition with a tread depth of more than 1.5mm, your windscreen is clean, and your demister works.
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