Turn Around Don’t Drown® (TADD) is a National Weather Service safety campaign to warn people of the hazards of walking or driving through flood waters.

Each year, more deaths occur because of flooding than from any other weather-related hazard. More than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven through floodwaters or when people walk closely to, or in, the actual flood. Too often, people underestimate the force and power of water.

Many deaths occur in vehicles as they are being swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around barriers that block flooded roadways. If you come upon roads or areas covered by floodwater, remember this simple advice: Turn Around Don’t Drown.

A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just two feet of rushing water to carry away vehicles such as SUVs and trucks.

If you come to an area that is covered with water, it is hard to tell the depth of the water or the condition of the ground underneath. This is especially true at night when your vision is more limited. Play it smart. Play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded roadway, Turn Around Don’t Drown.

Provided courtesy of Weathersafety.ohio.gov