Ambulance bosses are warning the public about the dangers of driving through flooded roads after ambulance crews were called to treat five patients from four separate incidents yesterday afternoon and evening.
Thankfully only one person required hospital treatment after the incidents in Birmingham, Staffordshire and Worcestershire.
The first thing to do in heavy rain is consider whether you actually need to be out driving.
If it is necessary than the simple advice is that you should not drive into flood water that’s more than 10cm (4 inches) deep.
You should be particularly careful when using fords during heavy rain, such as we have seen in the last couple of days, as they can become very dangerous. Fast-moving water is very powerful and can quickly sweep your car off the road in depths of only 30cm!
Also, remember that the Highway Code states that stopping distances will be at least double in wet weather, because your tyres will have less grip on the road.
If you can’t avoid driving through water, do so slowly, but if possible find an alternative route.
Ben Pallante, WMAS Hazardous Area Response Team Manager
Incidents
Junction of Green Road / Sarehole Road in Hall Green Birmingham (16.25)
A car was taken by water and wedged under bridge while crossing a ford. A passerby managed to get a mother and daughter out of the car. An ambulance crew assessed both patients. Both were discharged.
Houndsfield Lane, Hollywood, Birmingham (17:19)
Called to reports of a car was stuck in flood water. On arrival, car was found to be filling with water. Ambulance staff worked with firefighters to assure themselves that the only occupant had got free from the vehicle. He was assessed and taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch as a precaution.
Junction of the A51 / A518 Vicarage Bank, Weston, Stafford (21:14)
Reports of a car trapped in flood water with water in the vehicle up to the seats. Firefighter extricated two patients a man and a teenage boy who had been stuck for about 45 minutes. Both were assessed and discharged at the scene.
Junction of A4103 / B4214, Bishops Frome, Worcestershire (22:28)
An ambulance came across a car that had rolled over in flood water and was semi submerged in a stream. Ambulance staff were able to ascertain that there was no one in the car.