In Australia, flooding is the second deadliest natural hazard, and until 2018, driving into floodwater had accounted for 43% of all flood fatalities (1). Driving through floodwater causes more than half of unintentional flood-relating deaths (2).
According to rescue services, floodwater is often deeper and faster flowing than what it seems to be, and may contain chemicals, debris and even animals that could cause illness and even death (3).
Drivers with no prior flooding experience have been found to be more likely to underestimate the risks of driving into floodwater (1).
