Flooding Roadways

Flooded Roadways Extremely Dangerous to Motorists

Due to the high amount of rain in the past few weeks, many lakes, rivers, and streams across Missouri have seen an increase in water levels and flooding. Because flooded roadways present a danger to motorists, the Missouri State Highway Patrol released a statement on June 17 reminding drivers to exercise caution around flooded areas. The statement was released just one day after a man in Washington County was killed after his car was swept away as he attempted to cross a flooded roadway.

In the statement, Colonel J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, warns drivers to never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway. Even very shallow water is capable of sweeping a vehicle off of the road during a flood. The statement suggests that if your vehicle becomes stuck in moving water, you should get out and move to higher ground. Additionally, drivers in flooded areas should stay alert, and respect barricades put in place by law enforcement officials and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) during floods.

If you have to drive during severe storms and rainfall, the Missouri Highway Patrol reminds you to stay alert, and turn on your headlights to ensure that you are seen by other drivers. As always, you should wear your seatbelt. Last year, 63% of Missouri motorists killed in accidents were not wearing a seatbelt.

For information about road conditions and road closures due to flooding, you can call the Road Condition Report hotline at 800-222-6400, or visit MoDOT’s website for a map of road conditions.