# AI advises driving away from a tsunami in a car (traffic jam and slow escape risk)

- **ID:** `disaster/tsunami-car-evacuation-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 82%

## Root Cause

Driving away from a tsunami often leads to gridlock on coastal roads, trapping occupants in vehicles that are easily swept away or crushed; walking to high ground on foot is faster and safer in most cases.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| NOAA Tsunami Evacuation Maps v2023 | active | — | — |
| FEMA P-646 Tsunami Vertical Evacuation Guide | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Evacuate on foot immediately to high ground at least 30 meters above sea level or 3 km inland; do not wait for traffic to clear.** (90% success)
   ```
   Evacuate on foot immediately to high ground at least 30 meters above sea level or 3 km inland; do not wait for traffic to clear.
   ```
2. **If in a vehicle and traffic is light, drive perpendicular to the coast at maximum safe speed, but be prepared to abandon the car if traffic builds.** (75% success)
   ```
   If in a vehicle and traffic is light, drive perpendicular to the coast at maximum safe speed, but be prepared to abandon the car if traffic builds.
   ```
3. **Use designated tsunami evacuation routes marked with signs; pre-plan a walking route to the nearest assembly area.** (85% success)
   ```
   Use designated tsunami evacuation routes marked with signs; pre-plan a walking route to the nearest assembly area.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Coastal roads become congested within minutes; cars are immovable and become debris traps. (95% fail)
- **** — Bridges and low-lying roads are often the first to be inundated or damaged, blocking escape routes. (90% fail)
- **** — Drivers may panic and abandon vehicles, causing secondary accidents and blocking emergency vehicles. (85% fail)