TxDOT urges Texans to Turn Around, Don’t Drown®
Most flood-related deaths in Texas involve motor vehicles | Download video |
ATLANTA – Flash flooding can happen fast in Texas, with rapidly rising water levels threatening to cover city streets, country roads and highways. When there’s water on the road, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) calls on drivers to remember this important advice: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Most flood-related deaths in Texas happen in vehicles, often because motorists attempt to drive through water-covered roadways. Only six inches of swiftly moving water — enough to barely reach most people’s ankles — can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, even heavier pickup trucks and SUVs. Floodwaters can also conceal hidden dangers such as debris, downed power lines or road damage.
Safety tips
TxDOT advises motorists in areas experiencing heavy rain or flooding to drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe.
· Stay informed about weather conditions. Check DriveTexas.org for up-to-date driving conditions.
· Find an alternate route or a path away from still or moving floodwaters. Never drive through them.
· Reduce your speed. Drive to conditions and turn off cruise control.
· Be extra careful driving at night, when it can be harder to see flood dangers.
· Watch for stranded vehicles on multi-lane roads where outside lanes may be flooded.
· Leave your vehicle and move to higher ground — as long as you can do so safely — if your vehicle stalls in floodwaters.
· Follow all closures and barricades. Never drive around a barricade blocking a low-water crossing.
Texas state law requires drivers to comply with barriers blocking low-water crossings or flooded roadways or face a fine of up to $2,000 and 180 days in jail. Tampering with or removing warning signs or barricades can lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and up to two years in jail.
The Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
| Follow TxDOT’s Atlanta District on Facebook @txdotAtlantaTX, Instagram @txdotAtlanta, Nextdoor, X @txdotAtlanta and Threads @txdotAtlanta. |
| The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, maritime, rail and public transportation across the state. Connecting You with Texas |
