It’s said that when it rains, it pours. And it seems true in relation to road conditions during excessive rain. Heavy rains are a nuisance for drivers, not just because of the wet roads but also due to floodwaters. While you might think that the water’s not too deep and you can manage crossing it, even a few seconds of this falsely placed confidence can turn fatal for you. Every year in Australia, people lose their lives not because they didn’t know how to drive, but because they underestimated the power of water. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a novice taking your first driving lessons from a Sydney driving school, knowing what to do when faced with a flooded road is a must. What drivers need to remember is the simple rule of driving in floodwater: If it’s flooded, forget it. This article will discuss the hidden dangers of driving through floodwaters, their effect on lives, and what you should do when approaching a flooded road.
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Shallow Water, Big Danger
If you think the danger is only when there is heavy waterlogging, you’re very wrong. It doesn’t take much water to cause chaos. Floodwater may look calm on the surface, but it can have dangerously strong currents underneath. Don’t believe it? Just look up what just 15 centimetres of fast-moving water can do? It can easily knock an adult off their feet. And 30 centimetres of fast-moving water, which is barely ankle-high on a car by the way, is enough to sweep most vehicles away. So, even if the floodwaters look deceptively calm, don’t attempt to wade through them. Because once your tyres lose traction, you will have no control over the car and it will just be a heavy, floating object, completely at the mercy of the flow. Whether you’re an experienced driver or someone who’s completed advanced driving lessons at a Sydney Driving School, the harsh truth is: you can’t outdrive nature.
Why Flooded Roads Are So Dangerous
Let’s break down what really makes driving through floodwater a deadly decision:
1. Hidden Hazards
Floodwaters can mask really deadly conditions for drivers. You can’t see what’s under the water. So, you won’t be able to tell even if the roads are washed out, full of debris, or completely missing. What looks like a shallow puddle might be a sinkhole waiting to swallow your car.
2. Loss of Control
Water reduces friction between your tyres and the road — that’s called hydroplaning. When that happens, your steering, brakes, and acceleration all cease to respond. Even if your car doesn’t float away, you could still lose control and crash.
3. False Confidence
Floodwater doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s calm, still, and quiet — but that’s the most dangerous kind. Still water can hide depth, current, and unstable ground.
4. Electrical and Engine Risks
Flooding can stall your engine, short-circuit your electrical system, and, in severe cases, even cause a fire or battery explosion. Repairing flood-damaged vehicles can cost thousands — and insurance doesn’t always cover reckless behaviour like driving through known flood zones.
Real Lives, Real Losses
Flood deaths are a sad reality in Australia, but what’s even more heartbreaking is how many of them are preventable by simply being cautious drivers. Many victims are found inside their vehicles — just a few metres from safety. They must have thought the water wasn’t too deep and attempted to drive through it, putting their lives on the line. Driving through floodwaters is fatal, and even one moment of misjudgment can end a life or destroy a family. That’s why every reputable Driving School Sydney teaches not just how to drive, but when not to drive.
Driving smart isn’t just about passing a test or knowing road signs — it’s about understanding potential risks and acting accordingly.
What You Should Do Instead
If you ever approach a flooded road, remember: turn around, don’t drown.
1. Turn Around
No matter how shallow it looks, no matter if others are crossing — never risk it. Find an alternate route. A few extra minutes could save your life.
2. Follow Warnings
Those “Road Closed” and “Do Not Enter” signs aren’t suggestions — they’re lifesavers. Emergency crews set them up for a reason. Ignoring them not only risks your safety but could also lead to heavy fines.
3. Plan Ahead
Before heading out, check weather forecasts, traffic updates, and flood alerts. Apps and GPS systems often update live road conditions, helping you avoid danger zones.
If you’re a learner driver, make this a habit early — your instructor during the Safer Drivers Course will likely emphasise this, too.
4. Be Patient
Sometimes, all you can do is wait. It’s better to arrive late than never arrive at all. Call ahead if you’re delayed, find a safe place to stop, and stay put until conditions improve.
Final Thoughts
Driving through floodwater isn’t brave — it’s dangerous. No matter how skilled you are or how powerful your car is, water always wins. Excelling in your driving lessons or completing that Safer Drivers Course isn’t enough. What truly matters is whether you’ve learnt how to recognise potential risks and develop a safety-first and responsible approach to driving. Enrolling in a good Sydney driving school might teach you how to anticipate potential hazards and react to them appropriately. It can teach you how to handle your vehicle in challenging weather and when to avoid driving altogether. As drivers, this is what helps you the most when dealing with floodwaters on the road.
So, the next time you see a flooded road, remember: If a Red light = stop, a flooded road = stop, too. Don’t put your lives in danger. Instead, become a safe and responsible driver and do your part in improving road safety.
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