Disclaimer

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Guidance

Driving a vehicle through flooded roads is an option to escape rising flood waters. De-risk the drive.

Prior preparation generally can avoid the need to take unnecessary risks. But sometimes floods are dynamic and require vehicle movement.

Turn vehicle headlights on, even if during daylight hours.

Drive at lower speeds.

Avoid still or flowing water.

Just six inches (15cm) of fast-moving water can knock you down, and 12 inches (30 cm) of flowing water can sweep your vehicle away.

If you need to drive through water due to circumstances:

– Assess the depth of water as best you can. Use sticks or markers to gauge the depth

– Avoid fast flowing water and the depth should be less than 30 cm (one foot). The vehicle can lose traction and float away.

– Do not change gear or use the brakes when driving through. This causes water to enter the engine via the exhaust and will cause the vehicle to stop.

– If the vehicle is unable to be driven or floats away, abandon the vehicle. People before property. Exit the water. Move to higher ground.