AMBULANCE bosses are warning about the dangers of driving through flooded roads after five patients needed treatment from four separate incidents.
Thankfully only one person required hospital treatment after the incidents in Worcestershire, Birmingham and Staffordshire.
The warning comes as roads continue to be closed across Worcestershire following recent heavy rain.
Among the incidents yesterday (Tuesday) was a car which had rolled over in Bishops Frome.
Crews discovered the vehicle semi submerged in a stream but confirmed there was no one in the stranded car.
Ben Pallante, WMAS Hazardous Area Response team manager, said:
“The first thing to do in heavy rain is consider whether you actually need to be out driving.
“If it is necessary then you should not drive into flood water that’s more than 10cm (four inches) deep.
“You should be particularly careful when using fords during heavy rain as they can become very dangerous.
“Fast-moving water is very powerful and can quickly sweep your car off the road in depths of only 30cm
“The Highway Code states stopping distances will be at least double in wet weather, because your tyres will have less grip on the road.
“If you can’t avoid driving through water, do so slowly, but if possible find an alternative route.”
Roads closed in Worcester due to flooding
- Hylton Road
- Sabrina Bridge
- Tybridge Street – access to St Clements Close only, no access to retail park or onward
- Croft Road, Dolday and The Butts
- Diglis Bridge
A two-way contraflow system remains in place on Worcester Bridge and onto New Road.
There is no access for pedestrians and cyclists to the Riverside paths, Cripplegate Park paths or on Hylton Road.
