SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS:
WHEN FLOODWATERS COVER THE ROAD, BACK UP
AUSTIN – The Division of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Public
Safety urges drivers to exercise extreme caution during severe rain events.
Flooding is the most common cause of weather-related deaths in Texas. As little as six
inches of water can knock adults off their feet. Vehicles aren't safe either. When drivers
see water across a road, they need to back away and choose a different route.
Never drive through water on a road. Water can be deeper than it appears and water
levels can rise very quickly. Floodwaters erode roadways. A missing section of road,
even a missing bridge, will not be visible with water running across the area
If a car stalls in floodwater, get out quickly and move to higher ground. Floodwaters may
still be rising and the car could be swept away at any moment.
Water displaces 1,500 pounds of weight for every foot that it rises. In other words, if a
car weighs 3,000 pounds, it takes only two feet of water to float it. Cars can become
death traps because electric windows and door locks can short out when water reaches
them, trapping occupants inside.
08/30/2005 21:09:13