Floods, Crashes and Roadside Emergencies

Key points

1. Most vehicles will float in just 2 feet (24 inches) of water.

   Source: Handbook p. 62

   “Most vehicles will float in just 2 feet (24 inches) of water, even SUVs!”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 62

2. 6 inches of water may be enough to make you lose control.

   Source: Handbook p. 63

   “remembering that 6 inches of water may be enough to cause you to lose control of your vehicle.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 63

3. Never drive around barricades at low water crossings.

   Source: Handbook p. 63

   “Do not drive around barricades at low-water crossings.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 63

4. After a collision with death, injury or property damage, stop and call 911 or local law enforcement.

   Source: Handbook p. 63

   “If you are involved in a collision that results in death, injury or property damage, you must Remain Calm. 1. Stop and call 911 or local law enforcement.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 63

5. Do not move an injured person unless it is a life or death necessity.

   Source: Handbook p. 63

   “DO NOT try to move an injured person unless it is a life-or-death necessity.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 63

6. If the crash is minor and blocks traffic, move your vehicle or have it moved.

   Source: Handbook p. 63

   “If the crash is minor and your vehicle is blocking the flow of traffic, you must move it or have it moved.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 63

7. After a blowout, take your foot off the gas and brake cautiously; never brake suddenly.

   Source: Handbook p. 43

   “Flat tire or blowout: Take your foot off the gas pedal and apply your brakes cautiously. NEVER brake suddenly.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 43

8. Carbon monoxide symptoms include drowsiness, dizziness and a tightening forehead; pull off the road, park, turn off the motor and open your windows.

   Source: Handbook p. 60

   “Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: You feel drowsy and/or dizzy. Lights seem brighter. The skin has a blue color; lips turn blue. Your forehead tightens. Pull off the road, park and turn off the motor. Open your windows.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 60

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Oklahoma practice test

1. 1. In how much water does the Oklahoma manual say most vehicles will become buoyant?

   1. 6 feet
   2. 2 feet, or 24 inches, of water or less
   3. 4 feet
   4. Only when the water reaches the windows
   Show answer

   2 feet, or 24 inches, of water or less. Do not try to cross a flooded road or stream in your vehicle. The manual states in capitals that most vehicles will become buoyant in 2 feet, 24 inches, of water or less, and says most vehicles will float in just 2 feet of water, even SUVs. It explains why: for each foot the water rises, 500 pounds of lateral force are applied to the car and the car displaces 1,500 pounds of water. Cars can easily stall in the water and be carried away in any current.

2. 2. What does the Oklahoma manual say about barricades at low-water crossings?

   1. Drive around them slowly if the water looks shallow
   2. Do not drive around them
   3. They apply only to trucks
   4. They may be moved if no one is watching
   Show answer

   Do not drive around them. Do not drive around barricades at low water crossings; they are placed because the crossing is unsafe. The manual adds to be especially vigilant at night or on unfamiliar roads, where a flooded dip is hard to see. Most vehicles float in two feet of water or less, so water that looks shallow can still carry a car away. Turn around and find another route.

3. 3. What should you do first after a tire blowout?

   1. Accelerate to keep the damaged tire rotating
   2. Brake suddenly as hard as possible
   3. Turn sharply toward the shoulder before slowing
   4. Take your foot off the gas and brake cautiously
   Show answer

   Take your foot off the gas and brake cautiously. A blowout can upset the vehicle's balance, so the driver needs gentle control. The manual says to remove your foot from the accelerator and apply the brakes cautiously, specifically warning against sudden braking. The hard-braking choice can worsen instability, while a sharp steering move may cause a swerve before the vehicle is under control. Keep both hands ready, maintain a steady path, and reduce speed progressively before moving to a safe location. The goal is controlled deceleration, not an abrupt maneuver.

Source: the Oklahoma Driver Manual, Chapter 11: Driving Tips. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.