The dangers of driving in floodwater is a community safety issue. The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) has responded to over 100 requests for assistance related to vehicles that have become stranded in water over the past nine months.
“In 2016, VICSES responded to 126 call outs regarding vehicles trapped in floodwater,” Says Tim Wiebusch, Acting Chief Officer Operations. “We’ve seen incidents already this year that just shouldn’t be occurring.”
“Vehicles that become stranded in water place our SES volunteer crews and other responders at risk,” he adds. “That’s why we are launching the 15 to float campaign, to highlight just how easy it is for a vehicle to become stranded in water.”
Research conducted by UNSW demonstrates that as little as 15cm of water is enough for a vehicle to
start to float, reducing the drivers control and endangering occupants.
For more information on the ‘15 to float’ campaign and to see your vehicles float point – visit 15tofloat.com.au.
Watch the video
It can take just 15cm to float. Never drive on a flooded road.
Victoria State Emergency Service