Man cops fines worth $800 over risky road act
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Driving in eastern Australia can be a unique experience, especially during the wet season when roads can quickly become flooded.
However, ignoring road closure signs and attempting to navigate through floodwaters can lead to a hefty fine, as one Queensland motorist recently discovered.
In a statement released by Queensland Police, a 41-year-old man from Winton, situated in the state's mid-north, was caught driving through floodwaters in Corfield.
Despite passing two road closure signs and a barrier blocking the road, the man decided to take his chances and drove his Toyota HiLux through the flooded area.
While he managed to navigate the floodwaters without any immediate harm, he was met by police officers on the other side.
The man was subsequently charged with careless driving, resulting in a $619 fine. An additional $185 was added for disobeying the road access signs, bringing the total fine to $804.
On top of the financial penalty, the man also received six demerit points, putting him halfway towards losing his licence.
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll emphasised the dangers of driving through floodwaters in a media statement.
'You don't know what kind of debris or objects could be lurking just under the surface,' she warned.
'There is also a very good chance that the road's structure has been undermined. It's not worth risking your life or the lives of emergency services who come to rescue you.'
The 2022 Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report highlighted the risks associated with driving into floodwaters.
It found that vehicles being driven into flood waters is the leading cause of drowning, often due to motorists becoming trapped in their cars when washed away from the road surface.
The dangers of driving through flood waters extend beyond the immediate risk of drowning as it can hide debris, potholes, and even washed-out sections of road, which can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
Additionally, as little as six inches of water can cause loss of control and potential stalling if it enters the exhaust. If the water is fast-flowing, it can sweep a car off the road entirely.
If you come across a flooded road, the safest course of action is to turn around and find an alternative route.
If there is no other route, it's better to park in a safe place and wait for the water to recede.
While it might be tempting to try and navigate through flood waters, the risks far outweigh the potential time saved.
Not only could you be risking your life and the lives of others, but you could also be hit with a significant financial penalty.
Have you ever encountered a flooded road while driving? What did you do? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
However, ignoring road closure signs and attempting to navigate through floodwaters can lead to a hefty fine, as one Queensland motorist recently discovered.
In a statement released by Queensland Police, a 41-year-old man from Winton, situated in the state's mid-north, was caught driving through floodwaters in Corfield.
Despite passing two road closure signs and a barrier blocking the road, the man decided to take his chances and drove his Toyota HiLux through the flooded area.
While he managed to navigate the floodwaters without any immediate harm, he was met by police officers on the other side.
The man was subsequently charged with careless driving, resulting in a $619 fine. An additional $185 was added for disobeying the road access signs, bringing the total fine to $804.
On top of the financial penalty, the man also received six demerit points, putting him halfway towards losing his licence.
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll emphasised the dangers of driving through floodwaters in a media statement.
'You don't know what kind of debris or objects could be lurking just under the surface,' she warned.
'There is also a very good chance that the road's structure has been undermined. It's not worth risking your life or the lives of emergency services who come to rescue you.'
The 2022 Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report highlighted the risks associated with driving into floodwaters.
It found that vehicles being driven into flood waters is the leading cause of drowning, often due to motorists becoming trapped in their cars when washed away from the road surface.
The dangers of driving through flood waters extend beyond the immediate risk of drowning as it can hide debris, potholes, and even washed-out sections of road, which can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
Additionally, as little as six inches of water can cause loss of control and potential stalling if it enters the exhaust. If the water is fast-flowing, it can sweep a car off the road entirely.
If you come across a flooded road, the safest course of action is to turn around and find an alternative route.
If there is no other route, it's better to park in a safe place and wait for the water to recede.
While it might be tempting to try and navigate through flood waters, the risks far outweigh the potential time saved.
Not only could you be risking your life and the lives of others, but you could also be hit with a significant financial penalty.
Key Takeaways
- A Queensland motorist incurred a $804 fine and six demerit points for driving through flood waters despite road closure signs and barriers.
- The incident occurred in Corfield, with the driver proceeding past two road closure signs and a barrier before being stopped by police.
- Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll emphasised the dangers of driving through floodwaters, including hidden debris and potential road damage.
- The 2022 Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report indicated that vehicles entering floodwaters is a leading cause of drowning, often due to being washed away from the road surface.
Have you ever encountered a flooded road while driving? What did you do? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.