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.

A man who drove into flood water in Queensland got fined with a sum of $800. Image: Freepik

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.

 

[Noon]

It's about time they started fining those who drive through flood waters, maybe they don't care about their own lives but those who go to rescue them are having their lives risked as well, just for the selfishness of idiots. Those rescuers could have families whose welfare rely on them. Have common sense & respect for the rescuers.

 

[Sloopy]

Should be more than that.

 

[elaine41]

I have been saying for quite some time now that these idiots need to be fined if they survive getting through the water & if they need to be rescued to also pay the cost involved in sending men to risk their lives to save the idiot

 

[Pat T]

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.

View attachment 39856

A man who drove into flood water in Queensland got fined with a sum of $800. Image: Freepik

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.

Those fines should be enforced ALL the time. You can’t help stupid. The signs are there for a reason. Endangering others should be classed as a criminal offence, or just ignore them. There are those who get caught unexpectedly that need help, but even then, if it’s flooded- forget it.

 

[Veggiepatch]

About 20 years ago, a woman I knew tried to negotiate a severely flooded Broughton Creek at Berry on the NSW South Coast. Hyundai Sonatas and floodwaters don't mix. She copped the maximum fine - her life.

 

[Judio]

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.

View attachment 39856

A man who drove into flood water in Queensland got fined with a sum of $800. Image: Freepik

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.

I am so pleased to hear this - it is time idiots paid for their lack of common sense. They put other people at risk for their selfishness.

 

[Ian Crane-Luff]

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.

View attachment 39856

A man who drove into flood water in Queensland got fined with a sum of $800. Image: Freepik

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.

Queensland police are instructed to collect as many fines as possible even if the so-called offence is questionable

 

[Aussie all the Way]

Should have his licence cancelled and fined at least $1000, it's DHeads like him who the SES and others have to rescue and risk their lives.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

"Effwit is as Effwit does."

 

[Catherines]

Queensland police are instructed to collect as many fines as possible even if the so-called offence is questionable

Stop saying, and insinuating, that this is revenue raising - as I’m reading your comment to mean. By saying “Queensland police are instructed to collect as many fines as possible even if the so-called offence is questionable” you seem to be insinuating a lot.

Most of the police force work very hard AND put their own lives at risk enforcing rules to try and help the idiots. They have families to go home to every day and that is one of the most important things we need to consider when stupid people try to get tough and do all sorts of dangerous things when interacting with them.

Get yourself out on the beat with one of them for just one day and, whilst they appear to be laughing and joking with us while on the beat, believe me, their eyes and minds are working all the time. I worked as admin with them for 14 years and I know their workload is tremendous, especially their paperwork ensuring everything they do is within the law. There will always be those (in any job) that fall by the wayside in how they do their job, but regarding the police force in general I have a lot of respect for them. They are NOT INSTRUCTED to collect fines as you are implying. We need to have more respect for those trying to do the right thing to keep us safe.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Queensland police are instructed to collect as many fines as possible even if the so-called offence is questionable

No such instruction is required; there is an apparently inexhaustible supply of Effwits already.

 

[Clancieblue]

About 20 years ago, a woman I knew tried to negotiate a severely flooded Broughton Creek at Berry on the NSW South Coast. Hyundai Sonatas and floodwaters don't mix. She copped the maximum fine - her life.

And there it is, the fine that should be concerning everyone.

 

[Cuddles3]

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.

View attachment 39856

A man who drove into flood water in Queensland got fined with a sum of $800. Image: Freepik

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.

We used to live on the highway that crossed the frequently flooded creek just outside town. Dozens of stranded cars parked outside our house. Son -in-law phoned me to ask how many cars were attempting to drive through, adding that the local copper was on the other side of the bridge, ropiing them all in.

 

[Mina vriesekolk]

Everyone knows not to drive through flooded areas and some people think they can live above the law and if you get caught they should be paid according to your stupidity.
I have been stuck outside Winton on the highway and there were plenty others , no-one dare to drive through the flooded area. I agree , they should pay for any rescue what is required , but what happened if they cannot pay for that ? I think they should have to do some community work until they have paid off the costs for the rescue.

 

[Tipsy]

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.

View attachment 39856

A man who drove into flood water in Queensland got fined with a sum of $800. Image: Freepik

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.

Its about time that this sort of thing is getting done and I also believe that anyone ignoring roads signs and needs rescuing then they should not only get fined but also be made to pay for the rescue

 

[MariaG]

People who live in areas that regularly flood are smart enough to avoid the affected roads.
Some dimwits think having a beast of a car with the exhaust coming out above the roof are safe.
Some fathers of dimwits drive on the belief that nothing will happen to them because they know what they are doing.
Every time I hear about cars that come to grief whilst navigating flooded roads I just say to myself, why? The only answer I get is the sound of crickets chirping.

 

[Veggiepatch]

About 20 years ago, a woman I knew tried to negotiate a severely flooded Broughton Creek at Berry on the NSW South Coast. Hyundai Sonatas and floodwaters don't mix. She copped the maximum fine - her life.

From the Sydney Morning Herald, dated 28 February, 2006.

Witnesses watched in horror as a 68-year-old woman hesitated before driving into fast-moving floodwaters and being swept away.
And police believe she may have taken a wrong turn after driving home in torrential rain from a music recital.
Witnesses to the tragedy told police they had followed Regina Joan Newman, after seeing her take a wrong turn.

But both possible routes she could have taken were impassable due to flooding, Nowra police acting Inspector Wes Hanrahan told smh.com.au.
Witnesses in the car behind Ms Newman said she stopped before making the fateful decision to drive into the rushing water at a causeway on a rural back road - Broughton Vale Rd - north of Berry shortly after 8pm last night.

Wrong turn led driver into deadly flood

www.smh.com.au

I apologise for getting the car wrong - it was a Mazda 626.

 

[Veggiepatch]

From the Sydney Morning Herald, dated 28 February, 2006.

Witnesses watched in horror as a 68-year-old woman hesitated before driving into fast-moving floodwaters and being swept away.
And police believe she may have taken a wrong turn after driving home in torrential rain from a music recital.
Witnesses to the tragedy told police they had followed Regina Joan Newman, after seeing her take a wrong turn.

But both possible routes she could have taken were impassable due to flooding, Nowra police acting Inspector Wes Hanrahan told smh.com.au.
Witnesses in the car behind Ms Newman said she stopped before making the fateful decision to drive into the rushing water at a causeway on a rural back road - Broughton Vale Rd - north of Berry shortly after 8pm last night.

Wrong turn led driver into deadly flood

www.smh.com.au

I apologise for getting the car wrong - it was a Mazda 626.

I worked with her in some capacity in special education.

 

[Veggiepatch]

@MariaG when I post in SDC, it's either unfunny attempts at humour or verifiable facts. I don't BS. But you knew that anyway....I hope