KTRK reporter Steve Champion was about to go live for a report on the dangerous flooding in the Houston area when a man drove straight into flood waters and his car began immediately sinking in the flood waters. A clearly frustrated Champion could not believe his eyes and began, “You’ve got to get out of your car! Get out!” before finally wading into the deep water to help the man. The car sunk below the water within seconds.
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KTRK says this is a perfect reminder not to risk driving into flood waters:
To our viewers: TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN! The National Weather Service reports each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters.