“It’s easy for even experienced drivers to lose control after hitting what looks like a large puddle, either because it’s deeper than you thought, it’s flowing faster than you thought, or because there are submerged objects or loose soil that can immobilize your car as you drive through it,” he says. “You can also get stuck when the car’s engine stalls after sucking in water, even when the water level is below the bumper.”
Deep water is also a threat to trucks and SUVs, in spite of their increased weight and ground clearance, Ibbotson says. “People think they’re tougher than regular passenger cars,” he says. “It’s true that they’re better in certain conditions, but they have the same vulnerabilities in rushing floodwater.”
Water on streets and roadways can be hazardous for other reasons, too. It can hide downed power lines that are still live, toxic chemicals and biohazards, and wild animals such as snakes and rodents that can bite. Floodwater can also undermine the roadway, and the weight of your vehicle could be all it takes for a section to wash away, along with your car, into deeper water. Getting stuck in floodwater can also put others in peril, including emergency workers who may need to come to your aid.
“It’s not worth taking the risk,” Ibbotson says. “If you’re thinking about driving through floodwater, just turn around and find another way, or better yet, stay home until conditions improve.”
Beyond personal risk, driving into floodwater also can leave you with a car that’s totaled.
“Floodwater can destroy a car’s engine and wreak havoc on electronics,” Ibbotson says. “And if water gets into the interior, it can cause mold to grow beneath the carpets and inside the upholstery.”
AAA recommends that you have a professional mechanic inspect any vehicle damaged by floods before driving it. If there is significant damage, owners without a comprehensive auto insurance policy will have to pay for a replacement vehicle out of pocket.
