Driving through a flooded road: what to do?

Floodwater on a road can hide washed-out pavement, debris, and strong currents. Even shallow-looking water can be deeper and faster than it appears. The safest choice is always to avoid driving into it.

Why flooded roads are so dangerous

Moving water exerts powerful force on a vehicle. Just a foot of moving water can float many cars, and two feet can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and trucks. The roadbed may also be eroded underneath, so the surface can collapse without warning. Murky water hides these hazards, and at night it is almost impossible to judge depth or current.

If you see a flooded road ahead

1. Stop and turn around. Do not attempt to cross, even if other vehicles have passed. Find an alternate route.
2. Do not ignore barricades or warning signs. They are there because the road is unsafe.
3. Warn others if it is safe to do so. If you can pull over safely, alert approaching drivers with your hazard lights.

If you are already in rising water

1. Stay calm and act quickly. Unbuckle your seatbelt and check that passengers, especially children, can get out.
2. Get out of the vehicle. Open a door if the water pressure allows; otherwise open or break a side window. Do not wait for the car to fill.
3. Move to higher ground. Do not try to retrieve belongings. Once out, move away from the vehicle and the water.
4. Call local emergency services if anyone is trapped or missing.

If your vehicle is swept away

Unbuckle immediately. If the door will not open because of water pressure, use a window: side windows are easier to break than the windshield. Once out, try to stay upstream of the vehicle and get to the nearest bank or high ground. Do not re-enter the water to help unless you are trained and have proper equipment.

What NOT to do

• Do not drive through water of unknown depth or speed, even if it looks shallow.
• Do not drive around barricades or into water covering the road.
• Do not stay in the car hoping it will not float; act early.
• Do not walk or swim into moving floodwater to retrieve a vehicle or belongings.
• Do not touch downed power lines or electrical equipment near water.

When to call for help

Call local emergency services immediately if a vehicle is trapped, someone is in the water, or water is rising quickly around you. Do not wait until the situation becomes critical.

How to prepare

Check weather forecasts before travel and avoid routes near rivers, streams, and low-lying areas during heavy rain. Keep a window-breaking tool in your car if you drive in flood-prone regions. Remember that floodwater can be contaminated with sewage and debris, so wash thoroughly if you come into contact with it.

This is general safety information, not a substitute for professional advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.