Now I Know

Every time I see a news report of vehicles being swept away in raging flood waters, I used to think how stupid does someone have to be to try and drive through a body water that should not be there.

I found out the almost tragic way. I am sharing my tale so that none of you will attempt this yourselves. I highly do not recommend it.

I, and thousands of others, take a very scenic windy route to get to work. Originally this route was not designed for the amount of traffic it currently receives. When it mists this route floods those of us who drive it know it. The potholes on the perimeter never get patched because invariably this road is always moist.

Yesterday morning, after an evening of steady rain, I headed out to work. I even listened to the warnings of my weatherman who said due to the fallen leaves the flooding possibilities were much higher than usual. I decided I would head out in my normal course and surely the road would be blocked off by authorities if the situation was dire.

I was wrong. I got to the section of the road that usually is problematic. Yesterday it was underwater, completely. Yet traffic was forging ahead. Thankfully, we were crawling along. Otherwise, me and my SUV would have been floating into the abyss. Instead, the Lexus in front me who tried navigating the waters at full speed ended up floating into the abyss and I caused a very big wave which enabled him further into the gorge.

Stupid is as stupid does. I have learned my lesson.