Two thirds of motorists would risk their lives driving through floodwater
Research by the Environment Agency and the AA found 68 per cent of drivers would drive through deep water despite it being the biggest cause of death in a flood
Two thirds of motorists would be willing to drive through deep water despite it being the leading cause of death during a flood, new research suggests.
A survey of 18,000 people by the Environment Agency and the AA found that 68 per cent of motorists would rather drive through flood water than take an alternative route.
Men in the south and south east of England are the most likely to put their lives at risk, while women in Yorkshire and Humber are the least likely to attempt to drive through a flood.
Caroline Douglass, director of incident management and resilience at the Environment Agency, said: “The results of this survey are extremely concerning – no-one should put their own life or those of their friends and family at risk during a flood. Just 30cm of water can float a family car, and smaller cars take even less.
“If you’re driving long distances this winter, please check online for any flood warnings in force along your route, and if you find your way blocked by floodwater, never take the risk – turn around and find another way.”
Vince Crane, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “If the road ahead is flooded, don’t chance it – flood water can be deceptively deep and can mask other hazards on the road.
“It only takes an egg-cupful of water to be sucked into your engine to wreck it and on many cars, the engine’s air intake is low down at the front.
“As well as the damage to your car, attempting to drive through flood water puts you and your passengers in danger – so it’s just not worth the risk.”
According to figures from the AA, Rufford Lane in Newark, near Nottingham, is the most likely place for motorists to become stranded in floodwater. Between January 2013 and December 2017, it responded to 101 breakdowns in the area.
The Environment Agency has launched a campaign warning motorists against driving in floodwater. It says 5.2 million homes and businesses in England are at risk of flooding, and encourages people to check on its website whether their area is at risk.
