SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-flooded-road

What should you do if you come to a flooded road?

Turn around and find another route.

  1. Drive through quickly
  2. Follow the car in front of you
  3. Turn around and find another route ✔

Why: You cannot tell how deep the water is or whether the road under it is gone. Just 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars.

Huh, didn't know that: Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.

The dad joke
Why did the car refuse to cross the puddle? It did not want to become a submarine!
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Turn around and find another route. You cannot tell how deep the water is or whether the road under it is gone. Just 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars.

  1. National Weather Service: Turn Around Don't Drown www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown
    It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. California Driver's Handbook, Section 8: Safe Driving www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/safe-driving
    It may not be possible to determine the depth of the flood by looking.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Cars & DrivingWhat should you do if your car starts to hydroplane?Cars & DrivingWhat lights should you use when driving in fog?Cars & DrivingHow should you change your following distance when the road is wet?

That's stuff everyone should know.