San Antonio regularly deals with flooded roads during the rainy season.
Heavy Rain Causes Flooding, Hazards for Drivers Across San Antonio
According to a KSAT News report, San Antonio was plagued with road closures, traffic snarls, and flooding today due to heavy rains.
A flash flood warning was in effect until noon throughout central Bexar County today, and for good reason. At least 4 vehicles were reported stranded, with one requiring First Responders to be called out to Perrin Creek at Loop 410 for a water rescue after a driver’s vehicle stalled there. Two vehicles were swept and lifted into each other in front of the McNay Art Museum on North New Braunfels Avenue. Also on North New Braunfels Avenue, multiple trash cans out for collection were swept away and piled in the middle of the street. No injuries have been reported so far. Authorities urge San Antonio residents to remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown if they discover running water on the road.
Did You Know?
Flash flooding is the most deadly weather-related killer in the United States.
Flash Flooding and Auto Accidents in San Antonio
50% of fatalities caused by flash flooding are caused by vehicles driving into flood waters.
San Antonio regularly struggles with flash flooding during the rainy season. Drainage is slow, and the soil type in the city makes flooding easy. Drivers are often caught in dangerous situations as a result, causing property damage, injury, and the need for rescue.
Driving in a Flood: Surviving a Flooded Car
Most vehicles (including trucks and SUVs) can be swept off the road in as little as 18 inches of running water. 6 inches is enough to cause your vehicle to stall.
If you see large puddles, a flooded road, or running water on the road ahead, turn around. Flash flooding can easily turn into a deadly situation for drivers. If necessary, you can leave your car and move to higher ground on foot, but be careful — fallen power lines can make crossing any amount of water deadly.
If Your Car is Swept Away
If you’re able to exit the vehicle and swim to safety, do it. Don’t hold onto the vehicle as a floatation device — move to higher ground and wait for help.
If water is rapidly surrounding your vehicle and you can’t open the door, follow these steps:
- Unbuckle — Instruct any passengers to do the same.
- Lower the Window — You usually only have 30 seconds to do this.
- Swim/Crawl Out and Move Away — Don’t cling to your car.
If You Can’t Open the Window
There are two options if your window won’t open:
- Break the Window — Use an umbrella or sharp-heeled shoe, or remove and use the headrest in the corner of the window. Protect your eyes from glass.
- Climb Out of the Trunk — In all models newer than 2002, there is an emergency switch near the truck hatch on the inside of the vehicle. Lower your seats and escape through your trunk using this method.
After you have made it to safety, call 9-1-1 and wait for help.
Injury in an Auto Accident Caused by Flood Waters
If you were injured in an accident that was caused by flood waters, pursuing compensation can be complicated.
Carabin Shaw attorneys can evaluate your accident case for free and offer advice on next steps. If you were hurt in an auto accident caused by flash flooding in San Antonio, call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today.
We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.