MySlaton.com

Motorists urged to watch for flooding in low lying areas

LUBBOCK—Flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in Texas. As little as six inches of water can float some vehicles. This includes pickups and SUVs. When approaching a flooded roadway, motorists should Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Motorists are urged to watch for flooding in low lying areas including the underpasses along I-27 in Lubbock County, at north Loop 289, and in Hale County in Abernathy, at Main Street, and Hale Center, at FM 1917/Cleveland Street. Flooding is possibly in these areas and motorists must exit the main lanes when the flood condition lights are flashing.

“With the possibility of rain across the region over the next few days, it’s important that we stress to motorists the dangers of driving during flooding conditions,” said Douglas Eichorst, P.E., TxDOT’s Lubbock District engineer. “The incredible power of water is unrealized by most motorists during flooding conditions.”

Motorists should do the following during flooding conditions:

• Never try to walk, swim or drive through swift water.
• Stay informed about weather conditions when you are driving.
• If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it and move to higher ground – if you can do so safely.

It is illegal to move, tamper with or drive around barriers blocking a low-water crossing in Texas. Penalties range from $200 to $1,000 and/or two years in jail, Eichorst added.

According to the Centers for Disease Control more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers warning motorists about flooded roadways.

A motorist approaching a flooded roadway will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. This is especially true at night, when vision is more limited. Motorists should be safe and cautious on Texas roadways during any period of heavy rainfall and can check road conditions on TxDOT’s Web site, www.drivetexas.org or its toll-free road conditions hotline at 800-452-9292.