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Flash floods can come rapid, unexpected; drivers be prepared

Subhead
Ask A Trooper
Lead Summary
By
Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway Patrol

Question: With spring being here and the melting snow, can you talk about what a person should do when coming across water on roads?
Answer: Flooding can occur when streams and rivers flow over their banks, when dams or levees break, when there is run-off from deep snow, or any time there is heavy rainfall. Floodwaters can be found on roads, bridges and low areas. Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall.
•Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded roadway ahead, turn around and find another route to get to your destination.
•Be cautious, especially at night, when the visibility is limited.
•Remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
•Two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.
•Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road. Water can hide dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways by washing away the underlying road surface.
•If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.
Question: I have a question about pickups with their wide tires sticking outside of the fender wells. Is that illegal? I always thought there were supposed to be fenders? I know they throw a lot of rocks around. I don’t think that’s right.
Answer: Minnesota law states that all passenger vehicles shall have fenders, or other devices, that are designed to prevent, as far as practicable, water, dirt or other material being thrown up and to the rear by the wheels of the vehicle.
For the tires sticking outside of the fenders, the vehicle would need to be equipped with fender flares. The fender flares would need to match the width of the tires sticking out.
If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at Statue 169.791 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)

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