What to Do When Encountering a Flood While Driving
3 Answers
When encountering a flood while driving, the following measures should be taken: 1. Carefully observe the road conditions to determine if the water depth allows continued driving; 2. If the vehicle stalls in the flood, avoid restarting the engine and immediately exit the vehicle to a safe location; 3. While driving in water, firmly grip the steering wheel, control the speed, maintain higher RPMs to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe; 4. Protect communication devices to avoid being stranded without rescue; 5. Drive on higher sections of the road and avoid meeting other vehicles in flooded areas; 6. Enter flooded sections only after the vehicle ahead has passed; 7. Avoid areas with large ripples, as there may be hidden traps or obstacles underwater.
I've been driving for over 30 years, and I absolutely advise against taking risks when encountering floods. Stop immediately if the water reaches half the height of your wheels, otherwise your car may float and you won't be able to open the doors. I've seen people try to rush through only to have their cars stall, trapping them inside as they're swept away. It's best to find higher ground to park, observe the water flow direction, and only move when you've confirmed it's safe. During heavy rains, carry a flashlight and underwater tools like a small hammer for breaking windows in emergencies, and keep some dry food in your car just in case. During flood seasons, regularly check your tire traction and brake systems to prevent skidding. Safety first—you can always wait for the water to recede before continuing your journey. Don't risk your life just to save a few minutes.
When I was young and just learning to drive, I encountered a flood once and was so nervous that my palms were sweating. Fortunately, a nearby driver shouted at me to drive slowly and not step on the accelerator. Now I understand that if the water level is slightly high, it's better not to proceed—turn on the hazard lights, pull over, and turn off the engine. Use a weather app on your phone to check for heavy rain alerts in advance and avoid low-lying areas. Carry a power bank to keep your phone charged for contacting emergency services (110) or family for help. Repairing a waterlogged car is expensive and affects performance, so it's safer to get out and move to higher ground. Make it a habit to drive less during flood seasons and plan to use public transport or taxis instead.
