Flooded Roads: What to Do When You Encounter Them

Flooded roads can be a real nightmare, can’t they? You think you know the way home, but a sudden downpour turns the street into a small lake. What do you do? Let’s unpack this crucial driving dilemma together and discuss the smartest steps to take when faced with such a situation.

The Danger of Driving Through Flooded Roads

When confronted with standing water on the roadway, your first instinct may be to power through—slowly, of course. But let me tell you, that’s a risky gamble. Even just a few inches of water can destabilize your vehicle. Who would want to find themselves spinning out or worse, swept away? It's a sobering thought, right?

The Smart Move: Turn Around
If you find yourself in this tricky situation, the best thing to do is to simply turn around and find an alternate route. This isn't just about safety for yourself; it's also about maintaining safety for others who might be caught up in the flood. By taking the extra time to reroute, you're not just being cautious, you're also helping to ensure emergency response vehicles can do their job without getting stuck in a flooded mess, too.

Keep an Eye on Warning Signs
Trust those road closure signs! Seriously, they’re there for your protection. Ignoring them is like ignoring a smoke alarm—it might feel inconvenient now, but it can save lives later. After all, those signs are often put in place because authorities know just how dangerous situations can get on our highways and byways during heavy rains and floods.

Choosing the Right Alternative Route
Okay, so you’ve decided to turn around. Now what? Well, the key is to stay calm and think ahead. You might need to take the long way 'round, but isn’t that better than taking a risk with floodwaters? Review your GPS or an old-fashioned map; it’s amazing how many of us rely solely on our phones nowadays, and sometimes, they need a recharge! Remember: while technology is helpful, good old-fashioned navigation skills can still come in handy.

Understanding Flooded Conditions
Let's get a bit technical for a second—think about how floodwaters can obscure road conditions. Those seemingly inviting, shallow streams can hide massive potholes or even washed-out sections. You might assume your car can handle a little splash, but as they say, “better safe than sorry.” The real depth of floodwater can be deceiving.

Consider the Bigger Picture
Now, imagine for a moment if everyone made safe decisions when it came to flooded roadways. Fewer accidents, quicker emergency responses, and just a smoother driving experience for all. As drivers, it’s up to us to not just think about our safety but also the collective safety of our communities. So, when you're wrapping your brain around driving, keep those other road users in mind, too!

Wrapping It Up
Next time dark clouds gather and rain pours down, remember this: turning around might seem like an inconvenience, but it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make. Take a deep breath, give yourself a little extra time, and steer clear of flooded roads. Trust me; you’ll thank yourself later. Safe travels, South Dakota—may your roads be dry and your journeys safe!