Sweet, Sweet Rain

Torrential down pours, hail, lightning, thundering, and even sightings of tornadoes. That is what Southwest Houston residents endured on Monday, January 9. While the rain was much needed because of the devastating drought we had this past year; being a resident in Houston we should know even a little bit of rain will can flood out a car and make roads impassable.

Driving through flash flood areas can be extremely hazardous. It’s important to know how to avoid flash floods and what to do if you are caught in a flash flood. Here are some tips to help you out if you find yourself a flooding situation:

-Don’t overestimate your car’s ability to drive through floodwater. Six inches of water is enough to reach the bottom of most passenger cars. Driving in water this deep is enough to cause a loss of control or stall the car. A foot of water will float most cars and two feet of rushing water will sweep most vehicles, including SUV’s and pickups.

–Never drive through a flooded road or bridge. Back up and try a different route.

-Stay on high ground.

-Listen to the radio for weather information.

-Take routes that avoid flooded areas

–Do not stay in a flooded car. If your vehicle is surrounded by floodwater, abandon the vehicle and move immediately to higher ground.

-If your car is swept into the water and submerged, DON’T PANIC! Stay calm and wait for the vehicle to fill with water. Once the vehicle is full, the doors will open. Hold your breath and swim to the surface.

-If you are swept into fast moving floodwater outside of your car, point your feet downstream. Always go over obstacles, never try to go under.

-If you are stranded on something above the floodwater, such as a tree or building, stay put and wait for rescue. Do not enter the floodwater.

-Don’t rely exclusively on official warning. If flash floods are known in your area move to higher ground as soon as possible.

-Don’t walk into moving water. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down.

-If at all possible, avoid contact with floodwater. Floodwater may be contaminated with oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Floodwater may also be charged with electricity from fallen power lines.

Defensive Driving isn’t just about driving safely in normal conditions. It is about taking all the lessons that we have learned from the “normal” situations and applying it to dangerous situations, such as driving in flooded waters.

For more safe driving tips, ticket dismissal, and help lowering your insurance go to www.defensivedriving.com.