What is the correct way to deal with floods while driving?
2 Answers
Correct practices when encountering floods while driving: 1. If floodwaters spread onto the road, first carefully observe the road conditions, then decide whether it is safe to continue driving based on the situation; 2. When driving through floodwaters, if the vehicle stalls, do not attempt to restart the engine for a long time, as this could lead to danger. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately and move to higher ground; 3. Do not attempt to cross a flooded road, as you may become stranded in the middle. If in danger, wait for professional rescue; 4. When driving through water, keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel, control the speed, and maintain a higher engine RPM to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe, which aids in driving through water; 5. Protect communication devices to avoid being stranded without rescue. Additionally, prepare life-saving equipment such as life rings for self-rescue.
I once encountered a flood while driving during a heavy rainstorm, and it was really nerve-wracking. I believe the most correct approach is to stay calm first and foremost, and never panic, because people tend to make mistakes when they're nervous. If water starts to cover the road, you should immediately find a safe place to park, such as higher ground by the roadside or on a hillside. Never attempt to drive through, even if the water appears shallow, as there might be potholes or debris beneath the current, making it easy for the car to be swept away or stall. After parking, turn off the engine right away to prevent water from causing a short circuit. If the water has already reached the car doors, don't get out—stay inside and climb onto the roof to wait for rescue. At the same time, use your phone to call emergency numbers like 110 or 119 and accurately report your location. It's a good idea to keep a life hammer or an emergency kit in the car just in case. Floods come quickly, so actions must be swift and decisive—safety comes first.
