Driving in a flood is extremely dangerous, and not just because what you thought was a puddle might turn out to be a lake. Even a few inches of water can send your car hydroplaning out of control into a wall. A few more can sweep your car off the road. Your car is not a boat, is not designed to be driven through water, and driving through a flood is not something you should ever consider.
The first and most obvious danger is the water turning out to be deeper than you thought. When the road is entirely flooded ahead of you then you have no way of knowing how deep it is. It might be a couple of inches or a few feet. Once you start to drive through the water it is too late. You and your car could be carried off into surrounding flood waters.
Trapped in a car underwater is a situation nobody would ever want to get into. When you see a road blocked by water up ahead you should turn round. In the worst cases, where the road becomes blocked either way, you should get out of your car. You could examine the water to see just how deep it is.
In certain circumstances you can see the roughness of the road through the water. It you are absolutely sure that the water is only an inch or so deep then certain vehicles might be able to manage it. This is not recommended though, and your best option is always to stay out of your car and call for help.
A thin layer of water is dangerous too. This is because it acts like ice, removing the friction that enables you to steer your car. Especially if you drive quickly through a flood like this you run the risk of losing control of your vehicle and colliding with walls, trees, other vehicles, or pedestrians.
Just slightly more water is enough for your car to be swept away. A few inches is enough, the water does not have to be deeper than your car for you, all your passengers and your vehicle to be carried off.
With heavier rain now falling in some parts of the world and changes in land use, flooding is now a greater risk than ever before. Pay attention to flood warnings. They do not mean puddles and you are risking your life driving through a flooded road. If you can, turn back. Otherwise get out of your car. It is better to abandon your journey and your vehicle than risk your life.
