The Centers for Disease Control estimate that more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into flood waters; the next highest percentage of deaths is from walking into or near flood waters. Many people falsely believe that cars, trucks and SUVs are heavy enough to maintain contact with the road when driving through flood waters. Actually, vehicles float because of buoyancy, just like a heavy ship does. When the buoyancy force is greater than the weight of the vehicle, it will float.
Viewer Tip: Most cars can be swept away in just 18 to 24 inches of water; it takes only six inces of rapidly moving water to knock you off your feet. NOAA’s National Weather Service reminds you to “Turn around, don’t drown.” If you encouter a flooded roadway or walkway, find another safe route. Respect “road closed” barriers and warning signs, and be especially careful at night when it may be harder to see flood waters on roads and walkways.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service. “Flooding Ahead: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Available from: http://tadd.weather.gov/images/NSC_FinalVersion1-4.pdf)
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