Hurricane Season: Flood Facts While On The Road

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Jun 1, 2021

Hurricane season is here, which means the threat of high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and even tornadoes.

Preferred Mutual’s Auto Claims Team put together an unbeatable list of flood facts to help you navigate the season.

Often, hurricane season disrupts many things like transportation and communication, making traveling by automobile almost mission impossible. Here are a few facts as you prepare for the summer ahead: 

  • If you can find a detour around standing water - TAKE IT.
  • Watch other vehicles for an indicator of how deep it is.
  • If the water level is above the center of a vehicle’s wheel – don’t attempt to drive through.
  • Water can be pulled in from your exhaust, or worse, water can get into your engine from the air intake. This would cause your vehicle to stall and a lot of work to get your engine back into working order. Once it’s flooded,  it would need to be stripped down as internal bits and pieces [plugs or injectors] would have to be removed to get the water out of the engine.
  • If you must drive through, find the shallowest section of water.
  • Do not drive in water that is moving or looks to be deeper than 4 inches.
  • 6 inches of water is enough to reach the bottom of most private passenger cars.
  • If you must drive through water, drive slow and steady.
  • A lot of vehicles will start to float in as little as one foot of water. Once the wheels lose grip on the road, you lose control of the vehicle.
  • Vehicles can be swept away in as little as two feet of water, even with all-wheel drive.
  • Wait your turn!
  • You want to go one at a time, and especially want to avoid driving through the water against approaching vehicles. The momentum of the water can overtake either vehicle.
  • Test your brakes!
  • After driving through a flooded section of the roadway, it is a good idea to find a safe spot to test your brakes. Drive slowly (10-15 mph) and gently apply the brakes while moving. 

Whether you’re a professional driver or new behind the wheel, you have a truck, or coupe, the facts remain the same: severe weather can cause significant damage to your vehicle. That’s why Preferred Mutual keeps a team ready to assist you if the weather gets the better hand. Download our MyPreferred Mobile App today and take your car insurance carrier everywhere you go and Live Assured. Call your independent agent today to make sure your car insurance is covering what matters to you.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.
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