Personal Safety & Motoring Explored
BY PHUTI MPYANE
When roads are flooded try these tips before crossing to stay safe, as a general rule of thumb is you shouldn’t cross a flooding river or bridge.
Visit CRA’s blog page for more relevant articles.
With devastating flash floods again hitting Kwazulu-Natal, and other provinces experiencing downpours, we look at how to handle a flooded crossing should you encounter one.
The general rule of thumb is you shouldn’t cross a flooding river or bridge. If you have no choice, the first and best option is to wait it out.
Most flash floods are caused by slow-moving thunderstorms and they subside after some time. If you have no choice, or you are rushing to an emergency or on a 4×4 expedition, take heed of the following steps:
Judgement of a situation is crucial. Rather wait out a flooded road than risk life and property.
Image: GALLO IMAGES/ DARREN STEWART
- First, how long is the obstacle? Is your car designed to handle the minimum requirements? Rushing water can sweep away any object no matter its size or design. Stationary water, such as under a bridge, is less risky but also requires tact. If roads are swept away it’s best to find alternative routes or wait out the situation.
Off-road height stands a better chance against high water level crossings.
Image: Supplied
- Height is an advantage, meaning SUVs, bakkies or anything higher stands a better chance of wading through with less risk to mechanical or electrical systems. Sedans and hatchbacks are lower, so bumper-high water levels are likely to create a stall, trapping you and your car.
If water is above knee level the situation should be considered dangerous.
Image: REUTERS
- If you can walk it, the car can drive it, so pop off your shoes, lift your trousers and test the depth and strength of the current. If you have difficulty balancing on your feet the current is too strong and if above your knees, don’t cross.
If there’s debris in a river rather don’t attempt to cross. Image: REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo/ File photo
- Floating debris is a big risk. If there’s poles or branches and such debris, don’t attempt the crossing. It can damage your car. Worse still, large debris comes with great force which can knock your car off the road.
Download your FREE “ICE Contact List and Accident Assist Checklist” here! to assist you when you are at your most vulnerable.
- If you are satisfied the current is not too strong, the level below your headlights and no solid matter is floating in the river, you can follow the next steps.
- If crossing a flowing river, open the windows. Should things go wrong an open window means a quick escape.
- If your vehicle is equipped with 4×4, select this mode. It increases traction for safer wading.
- Don’t speed through, as you will cause a water wake and risk water flooding into the vehicle’s electrical components, which can stall your progress midway. Aim for gentle momentum through the water or small bow wave. Too slow is also risky. Find good balance of momentum without upsetting the water flow.
Main Image: These days you can encounter flooded roads in the middle of a road trip or simply heading home after work. Image: SUPPLIED
Read Also: Latest Court Ruling Found AARTO Unconstitutional
Article Credit To Time LIVE Motoring.
Have you ever been caught in a flood situation in your car? What did you do to stay safe? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.
Read Also: How To Check If You Have Outstanding Traffic Fines
Download your FREE “ICE Contact List and Accident Assist Checklist” here! to assist you when you are at your most vulnerable.
Join the CRA Mailing List, It’s FREE
Click here to join the CRA mailing list, the innovative and trusted source for relevant motoring information and the latest news.
