Australia is well and truly the land of droughts and flooding rains.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
We have been through the drought and now it seems that storms and flooding rains are becoming more severe.
Police across the Hume PD have been called out to a number of rescues where people have failed to take note of signs put in place to warn people for their protection.
Last weekend several motorists needed the assistance of emergency services after driving into flood water and becoming stranded.
READ ALSO:
While the temptation is understandable - it's been a tough drive and you're within minutes of the comforts of home when you're confronted with what looks like a relatively shallow and steady flow of water across the road.
What you don't realise, is that flood waters can run deep and the flow in front of you could pack a punch which can tear away the road surface beneath the water, leaving a hole that could swallow a car.
Most cars can lose power in only 15cm of water.
The water enters the exhaust and washes into the air intake causing the car to stop.
A car can float once flood levels exceed only 30cm!
Modern cars with electrically powered windows and locks are almost impossible to escape from once water finds its way into wiring and motors.
Owners of 4X4 vehicles shouldn't assume they are immune, as the fast-flowing force can overcome a 4X4.
Driving into flood water can not only be dangerous to yourself but it also places the lives of those that come to rescue you in danger. It is worth noting that more than half of the unintentional flood relating drownings in Australia are due to people driving into flood waters.
Even if you have the good fortune to survive, getting caught in a flood waters in your car can see your car damaged beyond repair.
The damage to your car will certainly make you regret taking the chance.
Driving through flood waters is not worth the risk.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
