WEST Midlands Ambulance bosses are warning the public about the dangers of driving through flooded roads after ambulance crews were called to treat five patients from four separate incidents yesterday afternoon and evening.
Crews were called to Houndsfield Lane, in Hollywood after reports of a car was filling with water.
Ambulance staff worked with firefighters to assure themselves that the only occupant had got free from the vehicle.
He was assessed and taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch as a precaution.
Beb Pallante, is the WMAS Hazardous Area Response Team Manager; he said: “The first thing to do in heavy rain is consider whether you actually need to be out driving.
“If it is necessary then the simple advice is that 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, such as we have seen in the last couple of days, 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
“Also, remember that the Highway Code states that 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.”
