ONDOY came back as a woman and though it wasn’t a treacherous and criminal, the havoc Carina left across Metro Manila and some lower parts of Southern Tagalog was as painful.
A lot of the pain involved driving in the floods. Heaps of videos showing cars floating, a passenger bus submerged, a large vehicle crossing G. Araneta Ave. causing already parked motorcycles to be swept in its wake were all very difficult to watch.
Driving through floods can be extremely dangerous, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can navigate these situations more safely. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand the risks and best practices for driving in flood conditions.
Floodwaters can be deceptively dangerous. Even shallow water can cause significant issues:
1. Depth Perception: Water can obscure the depth of the road, making it difficult to judge how deep the water is. Just 6 inches of water can cause loss of control or stall most cars, while 12 inches can float many vehicles.
2. Current Strength: Fast-moving water can sweep away vehicles. A car can be carried away by just 2 feet of moving water.
3. Hidden Hazards: Floodwaters can hide debris, potholes, and other obstacles that can damage your vehicle or cause accidents.
Despite knowing the dangers, many people still attempt to drive through floodwaters. This behavior can be attributed to several psychological factors:
1. Overconfidence: Drivers often overestimate their vehicle’s capabilities and their own driving skills. One video shows a driver of what seemed to be a tall pick-up stalling along España and later having to abandon their vehicle and use the middle island to try to get to safety.
2. Urgency: The need to reach a destination can push drivers to take risks they would normally avoid.
3. False sense of security: Seeing other vehicles similar successfully navigate floodwaters can create a false sense of security, not realizing that even a wake of water can change the condition of the crossing.
4. Peer Influence: when passengers push the driver to go through a flood.
The best way to get out of these fluid situations is to completely avoid it. Plan your route in advance and stay updated on weather and road conditions. If this is not possible, take stock and wear a jacket.
1. Assess the Situation: If you encounter a flooded road, stop and assess the situation.
Look for alternative routes. If you must proceed, try to gauge the depth and speed of the water.
2. Drive Slowly and Steadily: If you decide to drive through the water, do so slowly and steadily. Maintain a low gear and keep the engine revving to prevent water from entering the exhaust.
3. Avoid Stalling: Keep moving at a steady pace to avoid stalling. If you stop, water can enter the exhaust or engine, causing the vehicle to stall.
4. Test Your Brakes: After exiting the water, test your brakes to ensure they are functioning properly. Wet brakes can be less effective.
5. Stay Calm: If your vehicle stalls in the water, stay calm. Do not attempt to restart the engine as this can cause more damage. Instead, exit the vehicle if it is safe to do so and seek higher ground.
Finally, when it imperative to drive through a flood this is best done with a well-maintained vehicle. Regular brakes, tires, and engine regularly check ups ensure this. You might want to check your emergency kit, make sure the flashlight is working and the batteries aren’t dead, look for a proper first aid kit, and a portable phone charger.
Also understand your vehicle’s capabilities and limitations. Larger vehicles like SUVs may handle better in shallow water, but no vehicle is safe in deep or fast-moving water.
Driving through floods is fraught with risks, but by understanding these dangers and following safety guidelines, you can navigate these situations more safely. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others on the road. When in doubt, it’s best to avoid flooded areas altogether.
