With a powerful winter storm bearing down on our Morongo Basin region this weekend, some safety reminders from Z107.7 News. Driving or walking into water flowing across the road is very dangerous. Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard. Over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. People underestimate the force and power of 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 that warn you the road is flooded. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Stay safe by keeping everyone in mind as you drive in stormy weather. Slow down, leave space between you and the car in front of you and use your headlights when you use for windshield wipers.
