Why do people try to cross flooded roads, low level bridges, ravines and flooded rivers?

Image: ER24 (Click on image for larger view.)

On numerous occasions during flood events the media and emergency services reports of high water rescues, pictures of stalled vehicles, people swept away and cars just floating down the road or river on high water. Every year during the storm season people are killed or seriously injured when they are swept away by water while trying to drive/walk through it.   Just recently an elderly lady had a narrow escape and had to be rescued after she tried to cross a flooded roadway in Trichardt Rd, Boksburg. She was lucky to escape death. (Full story available HERE.)  The SAWDOS and SAWDIS blog contain many such incidents were people try to cross flooded roads, low level bridges, ravines and flooded rivers.  Those who were swept away became part of yearly statistics; killed why trying to cross a flooded area.


Now why do people cross flooded roads, bridges, ravines and rivers?  Are they plain stupid?”

Our first assumption is yes…they must be stupid! But research is starting to show us that stupidity actually has very little do to with it. Instead, sociologists call it “making a calculated decision.”

What was determined  is that people, upon receiving a Warning of imminent danger, tend to look for confirmation that something dangerous IS about to happen to THEM before they will take action. Research  showed that most people in South Africa are not solid on the difference between a “Watch” and a “Warning”.   Many do not understand the difference between a "Watch" and a "Warning" . When it comes down to actually ACTING upon a Warning it is when it gets a little shaky.  The SAWDOS is of the opinion that the public pay very little attention to a "Watch" and when it comes to a "Warning" they want real-time confirmation and not just a general warning. Maybe we should concentrate more on real-time observations and real time warnings to keep the public informed.

When it comes to flooded roads, ravines, bridges and rivers, it is no different. They’ll stop. Look.  Some will wait until another vehicle/person comes along, see if they make it, and decide… “If they made it, so will I!” Even if they can clearly see the signage or barricade, not everyone perceives that the situation is currently dangerous to them without some additional source of confirmation or past experience with a similar situation. In many instances in South Africa there is no sinage or barricade when roads are flooded or they are put up to late.  In any event even if there is no sinage or barricade never cross flooded roads, ravines, bridges or rivers.

People in general know they should not drive/cross through flooded areas. But what needs to be considered is the possibility that the decision to do so is not always because of stupidity or irrational thinking. Those working in emergency and disaster management need to more fully understand how humans perceive and process imminent threats in order to develop better strategies to help save lives.  We can propagate the fact that people must not cross flooded roads, bridges, ravines and rivers all we like but while some did hear the warning, others heard the warning and did not pay attention to it.

With the main raining season in the summer regions still to come and the forecast of above average rainfall and more floods predicted  in areas of South Africa over the next few months, the public should be more aware of what is happening in areas where heavy rain is falling.

It is therefore important that roll players concentrate on educating the public  not to cross flooded roads, ravines, bridges or rivers. The SAWDOS will soon launch an awareness campaign to alert the public of the dangers in trying to cross flooded areas.  Never ever put your life on the line in thinking, " If they made it, so will I" or "I can cross, the water is not yet flowing strongly".

There is really only one rule that apply:

Turn around immediately...Don't Drown!!

Johan Terblanche
Founder: SA Weather and Disaster Observation Service
Mossel Bay
29 January 2012