Warnings have been issued for some extraordinary weather including intense rainfall and potential flash flooding predicted to impact many parts of Queensland including Longreach, Barcoo, Winton, Blackall-Tambo and Barcaldine Shires and police are urging the community against complacency and are advising people to stay up to date and stay informed –
Trying to navigate these hazards, either in vehicles or on foot, can be treacherous, as water levels rise and fall quickly, and very often with little or no warning.
Emergency services are struggling to comprehend why some motorists ignore the notice signs and warnings that are erected on flooded roads.
Police would like to remind the community, it is not only a risk to drivers and their passengers, it also poses risk to our emergency services who assist in these incidents.
Importantly, re-think your need to be on the roads as flash flooding can and does occur without warning. Flood waters can tear away the road surface and result in the surface of the road being much more dangerous than you know.
Dirt roads throughout the Shires are hazardous to drive on when wet and can disable a vehicle by bogging.
A vehicle’s power can cut out in water, disabling electric powered windows and locks making a flooded vehicle near impossible to escape.
It is also an offence to drive through flood waters when there is a sign erected.
To prevent any damage or to ensure the safety of road users, a temporary road closure sign may be displayed to all traffic.
These signs may say: ‘Road Closed Due To Flooding Maximum Penalty 200 Units’, ‘Road Closed, No Entry Due To Flooding’, ‘Road Closed’, ‘Water Over Road’ or just a simple ‘No Entry.’
If a motorist enters any flooded road, state or council managed, under s83(1)(c) Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995, police may issue an infringement notice for careless driving without due care and attention, which is a $551 fine.
Do not underestimate the ferocity of the flood waters and wet roads.
If it’s flooded forget it.
