Your car can’t protect you from floodwater.
The Queensland Government’s award winning If It’s Flooded, Forget It campaign Your car can’t protect you from floodwater is urging drivers to stay safe on the roads this severe weather season. Presented as a car ad gone wrong, the campaign highlights what can happen to your car in floodwater, and reminds Queenslanders that flooding can take anyone by surprise.
It’s a powerful and confronting ad, and it needs to be. Vehicle-related incidents are a leading cause of flood deaths, with more lives lost in Queensland than anywhere else in Australia. Cars are safer than ever before, but when it comes to floodwater, it’s a different story. Research suggests that many drivers overestimate their car’s ability to drive through water, even if they’ve never tried. But the fact is, a car can be swept away in as little as 15cm of floodwater.
Driving during severe weather in Queensland, you never know what’s around the corner. A comprehensive media plan will target audiences across social media, television and online, reaching drivers while they’re on the road, through outdoor advertising, radio and digital audio.
First going to air in 2023, this life-saving campaign is brought to you by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) as part of the Get Ready Queensland initiative.
Your car can’t protect you from floodwater is funded by the Queensland Government’s Camera Detected Offence Program and was developed in close consultation with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Queensland Fire Department, and the Queensland Police Service.
Help us get the message out!
The campaign will be in market from 17 November 2025 to 31 March 2026 and we’d love your support to help spread this important message far and wide. You’ll find a range of campaign assets below for you to share throughout your networks. Be sure to check out www.qld.gov.au/FloodedForgetIt for expert advice, practical tips and to view the ad.
Key Messages
Even in shallow floodwater, your car’s steering, engine and electrics can fail.
Play it safe.
Opt for waiting it out.
Make it home safe.
Your car can’t protect you.
If it’s flooded, forget it.
Search flooded forget it to learn more.
Contact us
If you have any questions please get in touch with the Get Ready Queensland team at: GetReady@qra.qld.gov.au
Social Media
Use the posts below or share one of ours. Don’t forget to tag us!
Got a great idea for a collaboration on the socials? Please reach out.
Facebook: @GetReadyQueensland
Instagram: @GetReadyQueensland
Image | Suggested post copy |
| Floodwater can be dirty and dangerous. If you come across it on the road, stop and turn around. No matter what you drive, your car can’t protect you from floodwater. Make it home safe. If it’s flooded, forget it. Learn more at www.qld.gov.au/FloodedForgetIt #FloodedForgetIt #GetReadyQueensland #YourCarCantProtectYou #MakeItHomeSafe |
| As little as 15cm of floodwater can cause your car to lose traction and be swept away. Play it safe: slow down, drive to the conditions, and always obey road closure signs. Your car can’t protect you. If it’s flooded, forget it. Learn more at www.qld.gov.au/FloodedForgetIt #FloodedForgetIt #GetReadyQueensland #YourCarCantProtectYou #Playitsafe |
| Driving during severe weather in Queensland, you never know what’s around the corner. Have a plan before you jump in the car. Keep and eye on the weather, check the roads, and if in doubt, wait it out. Your car can’t protect you. If it’s flooded, forget it. Learn more at www.qld.gov.au/FloodedForgetIt #FloodedForgetIt #GetReadyQueensland #YourCarCantProtectYou #WaitItOut |
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VMS Messaging
Newsletter copy
If it’s flooded, forget it.
The Queensland Government’s award winning If It’s Flooded, Forget It campaign is reminding drivers to stay safe on the roads this severe weather season. The message is clear: driving into floodwater isn’t worth the risk.
From hot and dry conditions to torrential downpours, Queensland’s weather can change in a flash. Having a plan before you jump in the car can help keep you your loved ones safe.
Plan ahead to stay safe:
Check the weather and the roads – check out the Bureau of Meteorology and QldTraffic for the most reliable and up-to-date information before leaving home, and stay tuned to local radio while you’re on the roads.
Build in extra time - running late can lead to risky decisions. If the trip isn’t essential, hold off until conditions improve.
Be flexible - if severe weather is likely, consider adjusting start or finish times, working remotely, or rearranging commitments.
Back it up - if you come across water over the road – the safest and smartest decision for you, your passengers, and those around you is to stop and turn around. Don’t be afraid to pull over somewhere safe and wait it out.
Set an example - support colleagues by encouraging safe choices.
Vehicle-related incidents are a leading cause of flood related deaths, with more lives lost in Queensland than anywhere else in Australia. Research suggests that many drivers overestimate their car’s ability to drive through water, even if they’ve never tried. As little as 15cm of floodwater can cause your car to lose traction and be swept away. No meeting or deadline is worth the risk.
Driving during severe weather in Queensland, you never know what’s around the corner. Always drive to the conditions, and if in doubt, wait it out.
Stay safe, stay informed, and If It’s Flooded, Forget It. Please share this critical message with your loved ones this severe weather season.
If It’s Flooded, Forget It is brought to you by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority as part of the Get Ready Queensland initiative. For expert advice, practical tips, and to learn more: visit www.qld.gov.au/FloodedForgetIt and follow @GetReadyQueensland on social media.