Flash Flood Driving Safety | What to Do When Caught in a Flood
Flash floods are unfortunately common in Kansas and Missouri. Thunderstorms, tornadoes, proximity to creeks and rivers, and other factors can increase the likelihood of flash floods. This in turn raises your chances of getting into a weather-related incident. To help you and the drivers in your family stay safe, the car accident attorneys at Patterson Legal Group offer the following flash flood driving safety tips.
Follow These 5 Flash Flood Driving Safety Tips
To prepare for potential Midwest flash floods and ensure the safety of yourself and passengers while driving, remember these five key points if you encounter rising waters on the road.
1. Remain Calm
Driving in heavy rain and low visibility is often stressful. Encountering flooded roads can heighten anxiety, potentially leading to dangerous choices and weather-related accidents. It’s crucial to stay calm and carefully assess the situation.
If you approach a flooded road, stop and find an alternative route. Do not attempt to drive through the water, as its depth can be deceptive.
2. Know When to Abandon Your Car
If your car becomes trapped by rapidly rising floodwater, immediately abandon it. If necessary, escape through a window or sunroof. Once out, quickly move to higher ground and away from the water. Remember that even shallow moving water can be dangerous, capable of sweeping you off your feet. Floodwaters may also contain hazards such as sharp objects, debris, unhealthy bacteria, and potentially aggressive animals.
3. Watch Out for Fallen Trees and Power Lines
Severe thunderstorms and flooding can create hazardous road conditions by causing tree limbs and power lines to fall. These obstructions pose immediate dangers, and downed power lines may electrify floodwater, creating a significant risk of electrocution if you leave your vehicle. As advised before, if you encounter such obstacles, turn around and find a safer route.
4. Windshield Wipers and Headlights
On average, you should check the quality of your wipers at least once a year. Furthermore, check that your wiper fluid does not get low. You should also make sure that your headlights work. Not only is this a good safety practice, but both Kansas and Missouri law also requires drivers to use their headlights when it’s raining.
5. Leave Room Between Your Vehicle and Other Cars
Wet roads increase stopping distances. Allow more space between your vehicle and others in rainy conditions to prevent collisions. Tailgating on slick surfaces can lead to hydroplaning and loss of control if sudden braking is necessary.
Contact a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer
The car accident lawyers at Patterson Legal Group hope that you found these flash flood driving safety tips useful. Please share them with your family and friends to increase their safety. While some car accidents are caused by inclement weather, far more are caused by the negligence or recklessness of others. Should you get hurt in such a crash, our accomplished injury attorneys are available 24/7 to help you.
You can reach Patterson Legal Group by phone at (888) 687-2400 and online through LiveChat or encrypted contact form. Our experienced trial lawyers have helped injury victims throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado receive more than $250 million in settlements. Reach out to us today to get the settlement and service that you deserve.
