Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States.  For the past 30 years, the national average for deaths during floods has been 127 each year.  In Texas, the death toll from floods averages 15 victims a year.  Nearly half of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related and the majority of victims are males, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service and the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management are urging people to learn the dangers of driving into flooded roadways because drivers often underestimate the power of floodwater.  These are the facts:

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• Twelve inches of water will float many cars.
• Two feet of rushing water will carry off pick-up trucks, SUVs and most other vehicles.
• Water across a road may hide a missing segment of roadbed or a missing bridge.  Roads weaken under floodwater and drivers should proceed cautiously after waters have receded, since the road may collapse under the weight of the vehicle.

NWS and GCOEM officials also say that if your car or truck stalls in floodwater, the best advice is to get out quickly and move to higher ground.  Better yet, when there’s water on the road:  Turn Around, Don’t Drown.  Saving your life is as simple as choosing an alternate route.