Water On The Road: Turn Around, Don't Drown Jan. 24, 2012 SHSU
Media Contact: Julia May |There are many reasons why drivers
should avoid low water crossings and flooded roadways.| With
heavy rains moving through portions of Texas this week, the
National Weather Service and the Texas Division of Emergency
Management, Texas Department of Public Safety urge Texans to
avoid low water crossings and driving on flooded roadways. When
there’s water running across a road, drivers should always turn
around and choose a different route. These are the facts: • Six
inches of water can cause tires to lose traction and begin to
slide. • Twelve inches of water can 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. • In flash floods, waters rise so
rapidly they may be far deeper by the time you are halfway
across, trapping you in your vehicle. • Flash floods are
especially treacherous at night