# AI advises driving through flash flood water if it looks shallow (less than 6 inches)

- **ID:** `disaster/flash-flood-drive-through-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 78%

## Root Cause

Driving through flood water is dangerous because water depth is deceptive, currents can sweep vehicles away in as little as 6 inches, and road surfaces may be washed out beneath the water.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| NOAA Flood Safety 2024 | active | — | — |
| FEMA P-1000 3rd Ed. | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Turn around and find an alternate route; never drive through standing or moving water of unknown depth.** (95% success)
   ```
   Turn around and find an alternate route; never drive through standing or moving water of unknown depth.
   ```
2. **If trapped in rising water, abandon the vehicle immediately and move to higher ground on foot.** (90% success)
   ```
   If trapped in rising water, abandon the vehicle immediately and move to higher ground on foot.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Driving at slow speed in first gear to maintain traction** — Slow speed does not prevent water from entering the engine or exhaust; also current can still push the car sideways. (92% fail)
- **Rolling down windows to equalize pressure and escape if needed** — Windows down allows water to flood the cabin faster, sinking the vehicle and increasing drowning risk. (88% fail)
- **Using a stick to measure water depth before driving** — Water depth can change within seconds due to rising flood; measurement is useless in dynamic conditions. (85% fail)