3 Reasons You Should Never Drive Through Floodwaters

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Avoid driving through flooded streets.

Three Reasons to Avoid Driving in Floodwaters

When a severe storm hits your Knoxville, TN, neighborhood, and the streets start flooding, you might want to go about your day as usual. However, driving on a flooded street can quickly spell disaster for you and those around you. Here are three reasons you should never drive through floodwaters.

1. Your Vehicle Can Become Contaminated
You don't know how deep the floodwaters are, so you could find that your car fills with water when you drive on flooded roads. Flood water is filthy and can contain sewage and other pollutants. Once the dirty water gets into your car, you will have a difficult time getting the smell out of your upholstery. Additionally, you could have a problem with mold and mildew from the contaminated water. Working with a water damage repair service will likely be the only way to get the smell and contaminants out of your vehicle.

2. You Could Be Swept Away on a Flooded Street
Moving water is very powerful. It only takes about a foot of floodwater to sweep most cars away. While you're being carried by the current, you'll have no control over your vehicle and could run into anything or anyone. You could also find that your car is pushed into deeper water, where you are at a higher risk of sinking.
If you're out driving around when the flooding starts, contact your Knoxville, TN, emergency offices. They will have travel tips and alternate routes to help you get home safely.

3. You Don't Know What is Under the Water
Because the water is so dirty on a flooded street, you have no clue what is underneath the water. You could find that you run right into a large boulder, a downed tree, or even a sinkhole. The force of hitting the hidden object could seriously damage your car, and the accident could make it easier for the water to enter your vehicle.
While you might want to continue your day like normal when a flood happens, you're always safest when you stay home and wait for things to clear up.