A car submerged in floodwater with a bumper car sticker displaying a mum, dad, daughter and son sticker is missing

Steer Clear. Don’t get swept up in the moment.

A moment’s impulse, a lifetimes regret. The decisions you make can have lifelong impacts. Steer clear of floods. Turn around, find a safer way.

Floodwater is always dangerous. No matter how safe it looks.

The facts

Every year the NSW SES conducts hundreds of flood rescues. Most of those involve rescuing people in cars trapped in floodwater.

In bad weather many NSW drivers overestimate their driving ability, placing a false sense of security in the cars they drive. Some drivers feel social pressure to follow those around them no matter the risk, while other drivers put everyday tasks above personal safety.

Driving to work, picking up kids from school or just running everyday errands can put you and the people you love in danger.

Checking weather conditions, choosing alternate routes or advising people of your delay are some ways you can keep safe.

The decisions you make can have lifelong impacts. Steer Clear of floods.

What drivers tell us

“My car can handle a bit of water”

Overconfidence in vehicles

Drivers are placing too much faith in vehicles and the way they react in floodwater.
Water and electronics are not friends. Electric windows and doors can stop working, potentially trapping drivers and loved ones inside.
Many modern cars are lightweight making them easier to become buoyant.

“I know the road”

Overconfidence in ability

Flash flooding can occur quickly and without warning. Road closure signs may not appear in time.
Floodwater can damage roads, the impacts hidden from drivers. Sinkholes, debris and road surfaces that have been washed away can all have an impact.
Roads that haven’t flooded before can flood in the future.
Driving at night can often make it hard to tell water depths.

“This is my normal way”

Familiar routes

The urgency to get home, pick up kids from school or travel to work can impair judgement when it comes to taking risks.
Many drivers are on ‘auto pilot’, failing to pull over or investigate alternate routes of travel.
Failure to delay trips or find alternate routes can have devastating impacts.

“Everyone else is doing it”

Social influences

Many drivers are influenced by seeing others drive through floodwater. Others feel pressured by their passengers.
Safety in numbers does not apply to driving into floodwater.

How to stay safe

Be prepared

Always remember that flooding can occur long after the storm has passed. Understand the warnings.

Storm and flood warnings include Advice, Watch and Act, and Emergency levels. Learn what each of these mean and how they can impact you.

Find alternative routes

Research the roads around you. Find alternative ways to travel out of harms way.

Check Live Traffic for information on road closures.

Advise of your delay

Pull over and contact people to advise of your delay.

Being a few minutes late to work, school or social activities is better than risking your life.

Resources

A moments impulse poster

He knew the road poster

Be prepared with these apps

Download these four apps for weather warnings, hazard notifications, road impacts advice and help from emergency services.

Live Traffic

Plan ahead and see what hazards are impacting your route on NSW roads.

Hazards Near Me

Set up a watch zone to receive notifications on changing conditions.

BOM Weather

Check for weather forecasts and warnings.

Emergency Plus

The ‘what 3 words’ feature shares your precise location with emergency services.

When to call NSW SES

In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call NSW SES on 132 500.

Contact NSW SES

Female worker using a computer at the NSW SES Operations Centre.