Uniformed officers from Różyniec intervened twice last Saturday. (We reported on the firefighters’ afternoon intervention in the article Alarm in the municipality. A gazebo caught fire.
In the morning, firefighters were dispatched to a flooded crossing under the A4.
The hazard was removed.
Flooded crossings are among the most deceptive hazards for drivers. They look harmless, but conceal several serious traps:
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Unknown depth – the water may be a few centimetres deep or more than a metre. A driver who takes the risk is often unaware that the car may become immobilised.
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Hidden damage to the road surface – beneath the water there may be breaches, potholes or objects that damage the suspension or tyres.
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Risk of the engine stalling – water sucked into the air intake system may cause so-called hydrolock, seizing the engine and resulting in costly repairs.
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Being trapped in the car – the vehicle may suddenly become stuck while the water level rises. The driver and passengers then face a real risk of drowning.
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Strong currents – even an apparently weak current can move a vehicle or push it off the road.
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Optical illusion – the surface of the water acts like a mirror, making it harder to assess the depth, obstacles and road edges.
That is why firefighters and police always appeal: “Don’t take the risk; do not drive into flooded areas” – taking a detour may take a dozen or so minutes, while the consequences of attempting to drive through may be tragic.