Be safe not sorry on roads during flood season warns advocacy group

A road safety advocacy group is warning motorists of the dangers of flooding on the highways.

This in the wake of the recent flood watch alert issued for the Nicola and Coldwater Rivers as well as Spius Creek Thursday afternoon from the B.C. River Forecast.

Trace Acres, program director for Road Safety At Work says flood watches in the Thompson-Nicola region aren’t just for property owners. They’re also the equivalent of flashing warning lights for drivers.

“Never assume that your vehicle can handle the water,” says Acres. “The depth and speed of the water can be deceptive, and it’s always safer to wait or take a detour than risk driving through.”

He warns that even a few cm of moving water can knock a vehicle off course while deeper water can cause a car to stall or float. It also should be noted that about 30 cm of rushing water can float most cars, and 61 cm can carry away SUVs and trucks. In freezing temperatures, puddles on the road can become treacherous ice.

Acres advises that should you encounter water on the road and don’t know how deep it is or what’s below, consider taking an alternate route.

“When water covers a road, it hides hazards like potholes, debris, or washed-out sections,” warns Acres. ” “Remember the deeper the water, the lower your speed should be.”

For roads conditions and weather updates visit Q101.ca and DriveBC.ca.