Road trauma is a leading cause of flood deaths
Road trauma is a leading cause of flood deaths, with more lives lost in Queensland than anywhere else in Australia. Driving into floodwater endangers lives, and places pressure on first responders, infrastructure and community safety efforts. There is no sure-fire way for drivers to assess whether it is safe to cross a flooded road. All Queenslanders need to be aware of the risks and have a plan to stay safe.
Hidden Dangers
Our weather can change quickly and be unforgiving. Floodwater hides the road, making it difficult to know what’s underneath. Visual cues only tell drivers what they can see above the water; they can’t reveal what’s happening beneath the surface.
Myth busting: driving in floodwater
If you’re looking for a sign it’s safe, that’s your sign to turn around. Find out what's fact and what's fiction before driving.
“The driver in front made it through”
Just because another car made it through doesn't mean the same crossing will be safe for you. Floodwater can change quickly. The car in front may have made damage worse, or disturbed debris. Floodwater can hide potholes, debris and washed-out drains and can rise quickly. If you’re looking for a sign it’s safe, that’s a sign to turn around.
“I could still see the white lines in the middle of the road”
In a flood, the white lines in the middle of the road only tell you the centre of the road exists. Always obey road closure signs and load restrictions even if floodwater has gone down. Flooding doesn’t need to look dramatic to be dangerous. Don’t risk hidden washouts or debris.
“My GPS told me the road was open”
Navigation tools can be helpful, but they're not foolproof. Conditions can change faster than maps update, especially where mobile coverage is limited. An alternative route isn’t necessarily a safe route and may not account for flood risk, debris, road damage or unsealed roads.
“The water isn’t that deep”
Roadside depth markers only tell you half the story. The rest is hidden below the water. Dangerous debris. Collapsed roads. Powerful currents. There’s no way to know. Flooding doesn’t need to be deep to cause problems. Don’t risk becoming stranded, trapped, or swept off the road.
Essential steps for severe weather road safety
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