Dangers of Driving on Flooded Streets

Flooded streets are common in Tennessee, so if you’re driving on the road, you need to stay alert at all times. Floods can happen even during the summer months.

You should never trust water in the road. Floods can pose serious threats to both your vehicle and personal safety. Even seemingly shallow water can wreak havoc under the hood: it can destroy the engine and damage sensitive electronics. If water seeps inside the vehicle, it can even cause dangerous mold growth.

Even a few inches of water should be taken seriously. Six inches of moving water is enough to knock over an adult and may cause a vehicle to lose control or stall. One foot of water can float many passenger cars, while two feet of flowing water can carry away SUVs, pickups, and most other vehicles. Beyond the depth, floodwater often hides threats such as washed-out roadbeds, submerged debris, or downed power lines. These all are especially dangerous at night when visibility is low.

Even if your car seems fine after passing through water, flood damage can linger. Internal systems, like the engine, transmission, and electrical wiring, may corrode, malfunction, or fail over time. Interior components can develop mold or persistent odor.

Staying Safe

The National Weather Service has a life-saving rule: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and find another route. Driving into flooded areas dramatically increases your risk of being swept away or encountering unseen hazards.

Here’s a safety checklist to keep in mind when driving on flooded roads:

• Avoid any flooded roads, even shallow or familiar ones.
• Never bypass barricades or road closures; they’re there to protect you.
• If your vehicle stalls, abandon it and seek higher ground immediately.
• If you do drive through water, test and dry your brakes by gently applying them at low speeds until they’re effective again.

Why Flooded Streets are Common in Tennessee

Floods can be caused by the following:

• Flash flooding. Intense rainfall over a short period can cause flash floods, which are common and very dangerous in Tennessee. The hilly terrain of East Tennessee can produce rapid runoff that causes streams to rise quickly, inundating nearby roads.
• River and creek proximity. Tennessee is rich in waterways, with many cities and towns located near rivers. During periods of heavy rain, these bodies of water can overflow their banks, flooding adjacent streets.
• Urban development. Increased development leads to more impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt. This reduces the amount of ground that can absorb water, increasing runoff and the risk of flooding.
• Limestone bedrock. In cities like Nashville, limestone bedrock is very close to the surface. This geology limits how much water can be absorbed into the ground, causing it to flow over streets.

Contact Us Today

Flooding is common in Tennessee all throughout the year, and drivers should be aware of the dangers. Even seemingly shallow water can be very dangerous for drivers.

Floods can cause serious crashes. If you have been affected, get the help you need from a Mt. Juliet car accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC. We will evaluate all potential avenues to compensation and gather the evidence you need. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (615) 622-6060.

Source:

consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/the-dangers-of-driving-on-flooded-streets-a8035090841/