2024-10-30 14:41:00
The Confederation of Hauliers launches a catalog of advice in case of driving in flooded areas
The hundreds of trucks and cars stranded last night amid floods on the outskirts of Valencia, with their drivers forced to abandon these vehicles or spend the night in them, prompted the Spanish Confederation of Goods Transport (CETM) to issue a series of recommendations for motorists who find themselves facing a road flooded with water.
The first advice is obvious: do not cross flooded areas even if the water seems low, «it can be dangerous», explains the group, «if you find yourself in a flooded area, turn around or look for an alternative route. “The water could have caused landslides or the dragging of materials capable of undermining the seabed, making it deeper. With the water halfway up the wheel, the vehicle could be swept away out of control.
If the situation does not allow the vehicle to be stopped immediately, the driver will have to slow down to avoid the waves. Using low gears makes driving in water easier.
Once your truck or car has been trapped in a flood, you should call the emergency number 112 as soon as possible to try to provide the exact location. “If you see the water level continuing to rise, try to position yourself in an elevated area and wait for the situation to stabilize or for emergency services to arrive,” explains the CETM.
The ideal is to exit through the window, lowering it or breaking it, but if this is impossible, the door should always be opened in favor of the current to minimize the entry of water. Despite everything, the transport association indicates that you should only get out of your car or truck if it is safe to do so and if the water is low. “If water gets into the vehicle and you are in a safe place to get out, do so carefully and find a high place,” he adds.
The CETM closes its catalog of recommendations by asking professional drivers to pay maximum attention: “In extreme situations like the ones we are experiencing, the safety of drivers must be the priority. Customers must understand that, when faced with adverse conditions, we must all put caution and safety first.”
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