With the current heavy rainfall and expected flash flooding, Queensland Police are urging all road users to prioritise safety and drive to local conditions.
Road conditions can change rapidly, causing safe routes to become dangerous.
Currently, risks in Redland City include flooded roads, flash flooding, trees and power lines already down or continuing to fall on roads as the ground becomes more saturated, and slippery or damaged road surfaces that may be obscured by floodwater.
Remember, ‘If it’s flooded, forget it’.
Driving into floodwaters is incredibly risky. Your car can’t protect you from floodwater – you can be swept away in as little as 15cm of water.
If you find yourself in unexpected wet weather conditions, follow these safety tips:
- Drive to the conditions to avoid aquaplaning or skidding.
- Use low beam lights, especially in foggy conditions.
- Keep your windscreen clear of condensation.
- Double the distance between your vehicle and the one in front.
- Avoid sudden braking or accelerating.
- Do not drive on roads covered with water.
Ensure your vehicle is ready for wet weather driving:
- Tyre tread is at least 1.5mm deep across the whole tyre width.
- All lights on the vehicle are working.
- Windscreen and lights are clean.
Know where to go for information if you are impacted by wet weather:
- Weather warnings: http://www.bom.gov.au/
- Road closures: https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/
- Life-threatening emergencies: Triple Zero (000)
- SES storm and weather-related assistance: 132 500
- Redlands Coast Disaster Dashboard: https://disaster.redland.qld.gov.au/