3 Reasons Why You Should Not Travel on Flooded Roads in Colorado Springs, CO

8/27/2024 (Permalink)

Flooded Roads in Colorado Spring,CO

Flooding is a significant concern in Colorado Springs, particularly during the spring and summer when heavy rainfall can lead to flash floods. Despite warnings and advisories, many drivers still attempt to navigate flooded roads, often with dire consequences. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience to cross a flooded area, the dangers far outweigh the risks. Here are three compelling reasons why you should avoid traveling on flooded roads in Colorado Springs.

1. Unpredictable Water Depth and Force

One of the most dangerous aspects of driving through flooded roads is the unpredictability of water depth and force. What might appear as a shallow puddle can be much deeper than expected. Water is a powerful force, and even a few inches of swiftly moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road.

Deceptive Depth
In Colorado Springs, the terrain and road design can cause water to pool in ways that make it difficult to gauge its true depth. A road that seems to have just a few inches of water may have been compromised by the flood, with a washed-out section beneath the water’s surface. This makes it incredibly dangerous, as your vehicle could suddenly drop into a deep hole, leading to loss of control or becoming trapped.

Strong Currents
Floodwater isn’t just still water; it often flows rapidly, especially in the aftermath of heavy rainfall. In Colorado Springs, flash floods can create strong currents that are powerful enough to carry away vehicles. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), it takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, and 18 to 24 inches can carry away most SUVs and trucks. Once your vehicle is swept away, you lose control, which can lead to severe accidents, injuries, or even death.

Underestimating the Risk
Many drivers underestimate the risk of driving through floodwaters, assuming that their vehicles can handle a bit of water. However, water can quickly disable your vehicle’s engine, leading to stalling in the middle of a flooded road. Once your vehicle is immobilized, you and your passengers are at the mercy of the floodwaters, which can rise rapidly.

2. Potential Vehicle Damage

Another critical reason to avoid driving through flooded roads is the potential for severe damage to your vehicle. Floodwaters can cause both immediate and long-term damage that may not be immediately apparent but can lead to costly repairs or even total vehicle loss.

Engine and Electrical System Damage
Water can easily enter your vehicle's engine, air intake, or exhaust system, causing the engine to stall and, in some cases, leading to irreversible damage. Water in the engine can result in hydrostatic lock, where the engine’s pistons cannot move, potentially causing the engine to seize. Additionally, floodwater can short-circuit the electrical system, leading to failures in essential components like the battery, starter, and alternator.

Contaminants and Corrosion
Floodwater isn’t just water; it often contains a mix of debris, mud, and potentially hazardous chemicals or sewage. When this contaminated water enters your vehicle, it can cause extensive damage to the interior, as well as to critical components like the brakes and fuel system. Over time, exposure to these contaminants can lead to corrosion, weakening the structural integrity of your vehicle and reducing its lifespan.

Transmission and Brake Damage
Water can also infiltrate the transmission and brake systems, leading to failure or reduced functionality. In automatic vehicles, water in the transmission can cause slipping or loss of power, while in manual vehicles, the clutch may fail to engage properly. Similarly, waterlogged brakes may lose their effectiveness, making it difficult to stop your vehicle in an emergency.

3. Increased Risk of Life-Threatening Situations

The most crucial reason to avoid driving on flooded roads in Colorado Springs is the increased risk of life-threatening situations. Flooded roads pose a danger not only to the driver and passengers but also to first responders who may need to conduct rescue operations.

Stranding and Drowning
One of the most significant risks of driving through floodwaters is becoming stranded. Once your vehicle is stuck, you may be unable to escape quickly, especially if the water is rising. Floodwaters can trap you inside your vehicle, and if the water reaches window level, it may be difficult or impossible to open the doors or windows to escape. In severe cases, this can lead to drowning.

Hazardous Debris
Floodwaters can carry debris such as rocks, branches, and other objects that can cause injury or further damage to your vehicle. These hazards are often hidden beneath the surface, making them difficult to spot until it’s too late. Striking debris can puncture tires, damage the undercarriage, or even shatter windows, putting you and your passengers at serious risk.

Overwhelmed Emergency Services
During a flood event, emergency services in Colorado Springs are often stretched thin, responding to multiple incidents simultaneously. By driving on flooded roads, you not only put yourself at risk but also potentially divert valuable resources away from other emergencies. If you become stranded or involved in an accident, emergency responders will have to risk their own lives to rescue you, which could have been avoided by simply staying off flooded roads.

Driving through flooded roads in Colorado Springs is never worth the risk. The unpredictable depth and force of the water, potential vehicle damage, and life-threatening situations make it clear that the safest option is to avoid flooded areas altogether. Instead, seek alternative routes, wait for the water to recede, or follow local advisories to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Remember, it only takes one wrong decision to turn a simple trip into a dangerous ordeal. When faced with flooded roads, it’s always better to turn around and find a safer path.