The end of summer in 2020 arrives, hitting Texas roadways hard. Every year seems to bring with it stronger storms, threatening more of inland Texas. Many drivers in the Lonestar State may have trouble navigating flooded roadways and standing water, as these hazards hide dangers beneath their surface.
Drivers who practice proper road safety can avoid many hidden hazards of flooded roadways. For those unfamiliar with waterlogged streets, these tips can help avoid injuring themselves or totaling their vehicle.
Beware even the smallest puddles of water
When heavy rains fall, the water must go somewhere. Much of it seeps into the ground or joins adjacent waterways, but all of it contributes to rising waters. Floods can destroy homes, displace families and wreak havoc on cars and roadways. According to studies conducted by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 50% of drowning deaths during a flood involve a motor vehicle.
Following these driving tips can help Texans avoid injuring themselves or totaling their vehicle in hazardous floodwaters:
- Assume potholes are worse than they appear: Potholes easily collect rainwater during these heavy storms. This water can erode the edges of a pothole, making it much larger or deeper than it appears. An annoying bump in the road can become a popped tire and destroyed wheel well if drivers do not take care.
- Avoid standing water: Though the small pool of water in the road may seem harmless, drivers should avoid these traps altogether. These pools are often much deeper than they appear and can completely flood an engine and total a vehicle. They can also contain destructive hazards like rocks or building debris.
- Avoid running water: Small streams over roadways may seem harmless, but these currents are often powerful enough to pull a work truck off the road.
- Do not hydroplane: Cars hydroplane when its tires slide across the flat surface of standing water. Vehicles become uncontrollable when hydroplaning, and the smallest interference can send the car into a ditch or oncoming traffic.
Responsible drivers avoid flooded roadways
Safe drivers understand the best way to avoid injury and vehicle damage during storms is by staying off the roads. Drivers involved in a flood-related accident can reach out to a lawyer for help working with insurance agencies, assess the case and secure coverage for injury or damage.
