Know your risk | Get Ready Queensland

Stay safe on the road

The impact of flooding on roads can be significant; however not something drivers encounter regularly. Queensland has the longest and most diverse road network in the country, traversing multiple climate zones. Each flood, each road, each storm, each driver, each community is different.

Floodwater

Flooding removes one of a driver's most important tools: the ability to read the road. The fact is, that floodwater can be unpredictable and dangerous. It has the power to sweep away your car and rip up the road.

Flooding can hide deep potholes, collapsed road surfaces, large objects and washed-out drains.

Floodwater can carry debris, contaminants, sewerage, and even animals.

There is no reliable way for a driver to estimate the force or depth of floodwater. It can move at speed and take you by surprise, even when it looks calm on the surface.

The Drive

Driving during severe weather in Queensland, you never know what’s around the corner. It doesn’t matter if you’re a lifelong resident or new to sunny Queensland, it’s important to stay vigilant when it comes to your safety on the road.

When it comes to flooding, some roads and conditions are more dangerous than others. Research shows that almost two thirds of vehicle-related flood fatalities in Australia happened at crossings, bridges or causeways. Poor lighting, low visibility or driving at night can make it even harder to judge the risks on wet roads.

Understanding your local flood risk is an important part of staying safe. But local knowledge isn’t enough on its own. Research shows that almost two-thirds of vehicle-related flood fatalities in Australia happen within just 20 km of the driver’s home. Conditions can change quickly- every storm, cyclone and flood is different. Stay alert, even if you know the roads like the back of your hand.

Severe weather is part of living and travelling in Queensland, and being prepared comes with the territory. Stay vigilant when it comes to your safety on the road. Forget about what you’ve done in the past and have a plan so you don’t risk your life in the future. Each storm, driver, car, and road is different, but one thing is the same- floodwater is unpredictable.

Your Vehicle

Research suggests most drivers are not aware of the limitations of their car, with many overestimating its capacity to drive through floodwater, even if they’ve never tried. It's easy to think that our car can protect us in all weather conditions, but the bottom line is, cars are not built for floodwater. Cars are designed to keep us safe on the road but once you hit water, it becomes a completely different story.

Floodwater can disable your car

Cars and water are a dangerous mix. Driving into floodwater can cause serious damage to your car’s engine, steering, brakes and electrical systems. Electric windows and doors can stop working. As water rises around your car, pressure can make the doors difficult or impossible to open. Don’t risk getting stuck inside your car. Modern cars are often sealed for air-conditioning and sound proofing, which makes them more buoyant. The bottom line is, cars are not built for floodwater.

It doesn't matter what car you drive, or how good you are at driving

A well fitted out 4WD with a snorkel can handle some tough conditions, but flooded roads are in a category of their own. The normal precautions aren’t enough. The ‘wading depth’ listed in your car’s manual is designed for still or low speed currents. They don't consider the many dangers of floodwater. It's not worth the risk.

Don’t risk the cost

Driving into floodwater could cost you your car, and leave you with the bill for the damage. If your car is written off or damaged after you deliberately drive into floodwater, comprehensive insurance may not cover you. You could be left paying thousands of dollars for a car you can no longer drive.

Last updated: November 2026