Driving without
the interference of extreme weather conditions can be one of the sweetest experiences
any human can enjoy. But the moment this experience is disturbed by conditions
like moving waters(flood), rainfall, fog, e.t.c it then becomes a problem that
needs immediate and smart thinking for a possible and safe drive.
This write-up tends to proffer solutions for
drivers and other road users, who may in the course of moving from one place to
another, especially during rainfall and with the recent flood experienced in
Lekki, Lagos State and Suleja, Niger State, in Nigeria, which claimed lives and
destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
Explained underneath
are facts about flood which will help road users make smart and quick decision
when faced with similar situations;
Don’t UNDERESTIMATE the depth of flood: even if you are conversant with the flooded
road, please don’t underestimate the depth of the flood as this same road may
have had gullies and sharp pot holes as a result of the flood.
Adhere to WARNINGS, INSTRUCTIONS and
BARRICADES: all traffic warnings are
erected for the safety of all road users, so having a barricades informing roads
users of the probable danger that lies ahead is not an exception. The warnings
are meant to give advance information, so endeavor to follow them.
SIX INCHES of water will touch the
bottom/base of most cars: higher
percentage of vehicles that ply roads all over would be touched by flood that
is up to six inches. And the moment this takes place, traction sets in, which
thereafter leads to the re-directing of vehicle by the flood. And at this
stage, you have less control over the direction of the vehicle.
A TWO FEET running water can sweep away your
car: I know some drivers believe so
much in the weight of their vehicles but it may interest you that, as minute as
a two feet water could be, it has the capacity to sweep off most vehicles you
see all around, including yours.
If your car STALLS, EXIT immediately: it will be a disaster for you to stay with
your car when it stalls as a result of flood. To avert this disaster, you are
advised to find a way out of the vehicle and go to a higher plain ground. It is
better to get yourself to a safe place and then start thinking of how to get
your vehicle out. This simple act will guide against you getting washed off
with your vehicle by the flood.
Floods come with CONTAMINANTS,SHARP OBJECTS,
SNAKES, OPEN DRAINAGE: if you are
a pedestrian especially, please note that floods come with sharp objects, open drainage,pot holes and what
have you that are dangerous to your health. Please stay away from flood.
NEVER FOLLOW the vehicle in front in flooded
paths: most times this can be likened to a dangerous
act because you aren’t sure if your car has the same weight/ton with that of
the one in front. Also, you are never sure if the other driver will sail
through alive or not. Your safety is in your hands, be warned.
In
conclusion, flood is not a disaster that should be taken with levity as all
hands must be on deck to avert the dangers that come with it. All road users
must know that flood could maim, destroy and also kill. So, whenever you are
faced with one, try to avoid it totally by turning back to drive or walk
through another route. Never drive/walk through it, it is highly DANGEROUS.
Written by
Kayode Kola-Ajayi
An Officer of
the Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria.
Twitter: @Kolawole1788
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