Getting caught in a flash flood while driving can immediately transform a familiar road into an unknown hazard. Swift and decisive action is crucial to keep you and your passengers safe. By understanding the situation, taking appropriate steps to escape the danger, and initiating emergency response measures, you can increase your chances of getting out of the situation unscathed. If a vehicle defect or another driver’s actions cause you to get stranded, a car accident lawyer in Charleston, SC may be able to help. Read on to learn about what to do to escape floodwaters!
How Much Danger Are You In?
When caught in a flood, the first thing you need to do is assess the severity of the situation. You need to find out how deep the water is and how strong the current is, to reduce the risk of your vehicle being swept away as you try to cross a flooded road. Use a stick or estimate the depth visually. Do not blindly follow another driver into water of an unknown depth, as they may have miscalculated. Stay alert for signs of strong currents or underwater debris that could damage your vehicle.
Having gotten a sense of how deep the water is, you need to determine whether your vehicle is stable enough to continue down the road. Consider the type of vehicle you are driving, its ground clearance, and the current water depth. If water is able to reach the bottom of your car’s doors or headlights, it’s likely your vehicle will get stuck or become submerged. If possible, identify possible escape routes out of the flooded area. If you can take an alternative road or get to higher ground, do so right away. Attempting to drive through deep or moving water should be avoided at all costs, as doing so is very dangerous.
Staying Safe Inside the Vehicle
If flooding is so intense that you cannot safely exit your car, remain calm and take steps to ensure your safety. Stay inside the vehicle and keep your seatbelt on. If the vehicle becomes unstable, you won’t be thrown about the car’s cabin.
If the water level continues to ride and you need to exit the vehicle to stay safe, do so cautiously. Roll down a window carefully, ensuring it’s safe to do so without exposing yourself to strong currents or debris. Exit out a window that’s not in the path of the prevalent current so you don’t get washed down the roadway.
If the vehicle has become fully submerged, be prepared to exit through windows or the sunroof. Open the windows slightly first to allow pressure to equalize, and then exit calmly and cautiously. Keep your head above water as best as you can. You should only exit the vehicle if it has become submerged or is going to be underwater; otherwise, call for assistance and stay in the vehicle until first responders arrive.
Seeking Assistance During a Dangerous Flood
Once you have made yourself as possible in the moment, call for emergency assistance right away. Provide first responders with your exact location, including landmarks or road names that can help them get to you faster. Stay on the line with the 911 dispatcher and follow their instructions to the letter. If possible, send exact coordinates through a GPS app or online map.
While waiting for help, seek shelter at high ground or in a nearby structure if it is stable. Do not stand near trees or buildings that may have been damaged by the flood. If you have a cell phone, continue to communicate with emergency services and update them on your situation. Do your best to stay warm and dry as you await assistance.
During a Flood, Knowing What to Do is Crucial
Reacting to a flood requires calm, analytical thinking in a dangerous situation. By carefully evaluating the situation, doing what you can to get to safety, and calling for help when needed, you protect yourself and your car’s passengers. We hope this article helps you and your loved ones stay safe if you experience flooding while on the road!
