Turn Around, Don't Down!

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. For the past
30 years, the national average for deaths during floods has been 127 each year. In Texas,
the death toll from floods averages 15 victims a year. Nearly half of all flood fatalities are
vehicle-related and the majority of victims are males, according to the National Weather
Service.

The Laredo Fire Department, National Weather Service and the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management are urging people to learn the dangers of driving into flooded roadways because drivers
often underestimate the power of floodwater. These are the facts:
Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of
control and possible stalling.
Twelve inches of water will float many cars.
Two feet of rushing water will carry off pick-up trucks, SUVs and most other
vehicles.
Water across a road may hide a missing segment of roadbed or a missing bridge.

Roads weaken under floodwater and drivers should proceed cautiously after
waters have receded, since the road may collapse under the weight of the vehicle.
NWS and GDEM officials also say that if your car or truck stalls in floodwater, the best
advice is to get out quickly and move to higher ground. Better yet, when there's water on
the road: Turn Around, Don't Drown. Saving your life is as simple as choosing an
alternate route.