Flooded Roadways Trap Motorists During Storm

Mar 06,2017

Two motorists were rescued from flooded roadways of the valley during last week’s storm. Cathedral City firefighters responded to a call for help at the White Water Wash at Cathedral Canyon Drive around 2:38 a.m.

According to police, two vehicles traveling from the south end of Cathedral Canyon drove past barricades into the flood water. One of the vehicles made it through, but the other became stuck. The driver was hanging on to the vehicle when firefighters arrived. Firefighters rescued the man with a ladder and transported him to the hospital. Police later arrested the driver for driving under the influence.

The second rescue occurred in Coachella just after 5 a.m. A swift water rescue team arrived on the scene at Avenue 50 and Highway 86, where a vehicle was stuck in about two to three feet of moving water. A woman was stranded on the hood of the vehicle. The rescue workers got into the water and rescued the woman from her vehicle. She did not sustain any injuries.

Driving Through Flooded Roadways is Never Worth the Risk

Driving through flood water is extremely dangerous. Each year, flooding causes more deaths than any other thunderstorm-related hazard. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when someone drives a vehicle into or near flood waters. These drownings are usually preventable, but drivers often underestimate the depth and danger of the water. It only takes 12 inches of moving water to carry away a small car. A mere two feet of rushing water can carry away most other vehicles.

“Drivers can’t accurately guess the depth of flood waters, especially in the dark. The best policy is to turn around as soon as you see flood waters ahead. Trying to drive through a flooded roadway is simply not worth the risk,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.