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Herald Sun
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Herald Sun
‘Killer cars': Fatal mistake too many Aussies are making
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring. Followed categories will be added to My News. They're built to protect us, packed with airbags, reinforced cabins and intelligent driver aids. But when floodwaters rise, even the safest cars on Australian roads can become deadly traps. As New South Wales reels from one of its most severe weather disasters in recent years, thousands have been cut off, homes destroyed and lives lost. Entire communities across the mid North Coast have been left stranded. An estimated 12,000 people are still isolated, more than 793 rescues by NSW State Emergency Services (SES) have been carried out and at least five people have died – three of them found trapped in their vehicles. Among those deceased – a man in his 70s found in his vehicle off the Orara Way at Nana Glen. A 60-year-old woman who was caught in flood water while travelling from Sydney to Coffs Harbour in a four-wheel drive and a body of a man believed to be in his 80s was found inside a burnt-out vehicle inside a shed. MORE: Aussie Tesla owner's nightmare laid bare NSW recent floods were deadly. Picture: SES via NewsWire These aren't isolated tragedies but part of a growing problem and according to NSW State Emergency Services (SES), it's one that's largely misunderstood. 'Many drivers mistakenly believe it's safe to cross floodwaters, underestimating the depth, strength and hidden dangers,' a NSW SES spokesperson said. Between 2001 and 2017, 96 Australians lost their lives in flood-related vehicle incidents, of those 66 per cent drowned. While the numbers may seem low, they could have been prevented and as weather events across Australia intensify, experts warn these incidents will become more frequent. 'A car is a boat with a big leak' A vehicle offers transportation but in times of panic, they're used as shelters and as an escape method. But in rising waters, these safe vehicles can quickly become death traps. NSW SES said the science is simple: Just 15 centimetres of moving water can cause a driver to lose control and 30 centimetres is enough to float most vehicles. 'Many drivers mistakenly believe it's safe to cross floodwaters, underestimating the depth, strength, and hidden dangers, but even shallow water can sweep vehicles away. If it's flooded, forget it,' a NSW SES spokesperson said. MORE: Trump declares war on 'world's worst car feature' Too many people drive into floodwaters. Picture: NSW SES Canterbury Professor Giesbrecht, a world-renowned expert in vehicle submersions based in Canada, has spent nearly two decades studying how people can escape from sinking vehicles. He says survival depends on acting quickly. 'People think they'll be rescued, or they believe they can wait until the car fills with water to open the door. Those are misconceptions, and they're deadly,' he said. Dr Giesbrecht explained that most assume the safest option is to stay within the vehicle, with all doors and windows secured but that's when the vehicle can quickly become a 'death trap'. He explained that once a vehicle enters water it will initially float, but not for long. 'You have about one minute to get out,' he said. MORE: iPhone car coming to Australia Professor Giesbrecht, a world-renowned expert in vehicle submersions based in Canada, has spent nearly two decades studying how people can escape from sinking vehicles. 'The water is higher on the outside because the vehicle's heavy. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to open the doors,' he said. Attempting to open the door, he warns, can cause water to rush in, forcing the vehicle into a nosedive or in some cases, slamming the door shut. 'You should never open the door,' he said. Professor Giesbrecht has conducted more submersion escape tests than any other researcher in the world and says the biggest danger isn't the water – it's time. Many make the mistake of believing the car will protect them, or that waiting for help is the safest option. But in a flood event, even emergency services can't respond in time. MORE: The Yank tank cutting Australia in two A car submerged in a flooded area in the New South Wales town of Taree. Picture: AFP The 'stop, drop and roll' of flood-related emergencies In a fire emergency, the standard procedure we learn is 'stop, drop, and roll.' But how come we never learnt what to do in a flood-related emergency? According to a 2017 study by Professor Giesbrecht, 94 per cent of people don't know how to escape a sinking vehicle. Professor Giesbrecht said it's simple, escape through the window immediately. If the vehicle's electronics are still functioning, the powered windows should open. To help people remember, Professor Giesbrecht has developed the acronym SWOC – seatbelts off, windows open, out immediately and children first. Professor Giesbrecht hopes that by teaching people the SWOC method, lives can be saved. 'These are tragic because you get people who are awake and functional, who drown because they don't know how to escape,' he said. Professor Giesbrecht, a world-renowned expert in vehicle submersions based in Canada, has spent nearly two decades studying how people can escape from sinking vehicles. Video: Supplied by Dr. Giesbrecht But most drivers in Australia will never be taught this. A NSW SES spokesperson said SES will continue educating communities with knowledge about the dangers of driving through floodwaters. 'Helping drivers make safer choices and stay prepared during severe weather events as many drivers still underestimate the dangers of driving through flood waters,' a NSW SES spokesperson said. A car sits submerged in flood water. Picture: AFP With more than 12,000 people remaining isolated, SES Superintendent Dallas Byrnes said they are still witnessing dangerous behaviour. 'People are still driving into floodwaters, which is really concerning – incredibly dangerous,' he said. Originally published as 'Killer cars': Fatal mistake too many Aussies are making
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
Thousands remain isolated as floods ease in eastern Australia
Tens of thousands of Australians remained isolated and thousands were without power on Saturday (May 24, 2025), authorities said as conditions in New South Wales eased after days of heavy rain that caused widespread flooding. Floodwaters were slowly subsiding but more than 20 emergency warnings remained in place, with the focus shifting to assessing properties and delivering supplies to cut-off communities. NSW emergency authorities estimated up to 10,000 properties had been damaged by flooding, mostly in central and northern parts of the state. Many communities were still isolated, with 50,000 people estimated to be impacted, NSW State Emergency Services (SES) said. "We will continue to resupply those isolated residents by land, water and air as part of our multi-agency response," SES Chief Superintendent Paul McQueen said. "We ask you to be patient, remain in a safe location and please don't be tempted to drive through floodwaters or go sightseeing." The death toll stood at five after the body of a man in his 80s was found at a property near Taree, one of the worst-hit towns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was unable to visit Taree, as planned, because of treacherous access. "Conditions remain critical with flood and evacuation warnings in place," Mr. Albanese said on X. "We're continuing to work closely across federal, state and local governments to make sure Australians get the support they need now and through recovery." More than 600 flood rescues were carried out over the previous three days, prompting NSW Premier Chris Minns to praise the work of emergency services. "We would have had hundreds of deaths if it wasn't for the bravery, the courage of emergency service workers in the last 72 hours," he told journalists. SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said he expected the number of warnings to decrease over the weekend but urged motorists to avoid driving in floodwaters. He said stagnant water posed a health risk and that vermin and snakes could make their way into homes. The storms dumped more than six months' worth of rain over three days, according to the government weather bureau, smashing records in some areas. Although difficult to link to specific disasters, scientists warn that climate change is already fuelling more extreme weather patterns.
eNCA
24-05-2025
- Climate
- eNCA
Thousands remain isolated as floods ease in eastern Australia
MELBOURNE - Tens of thousands of Australians remained isolated and thousands were without power on Saturday, authorities said as conditions in New South Wales eased after days of heavy rain that caused widespread flooding. Floodwaters were slowly subsiding but more than 20 emergency warnings remained in place, with the focus shifting to assessing properties and delivering supplies to cut-off communities. NSW emergency authorities estimated up to 10,000 properties had been damaged by flooding, mostly in central and northern parts of the state. Many communities were still isolated, with 50,000 people estimated to be impacted, NSW State Emergency Services (SES) said. "We will continue to resupply those isolated residents by land, water and air as part of our multi-agency response," SES Chief Superintendent Paul McQueen said. "We ask you to be patient, remain in a safe location and please don't be tempted to drive through floodwaters or go sightseeing." The death toll stood at five after the body of a man in his 80s was found at a property near Taree, one of the worst-hit towns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was unable to visit Taree, as planned, because of treacherous access. "Conditions remain critical with flood and evacuation warnings in place," Albanese said on X. "We're continuing to work closely across federal, state and local governments to make sure Australians get the support they need now and through recovery." More than 600 flood rescues were carried out over the previous three days, prompting NSW Premier Chris Minns to praise the work of emergency services. "We would have had hundreds of deaths if it wasn't for the bravery, the courage of emergency service workers in the last 72 hours," he told journalists. SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said he expected the number of warnings to decrease over the weekend but urged motorists to avoid driving in floodwaters. He said stagnant water posed a health risk and that vermin and snakes could make their way into homes. The storms dumped more than six months' worth of rain over three days, according to the government weather bureau, smashing records in some areas.
France 24
24-05-2025
- Climate
- France 24
Thousands remain isolated as floods ease in eastern Australia
Floodwaters were slowly subsiding but more than 20 emergency warnings remained in place, with the focus shifting to assessing properties and delivering supplies to cut-off communities. NSW emergency authorities estimated up to 10,000 properties had been damaged by flooding, mostly in central and northern parts of the state. Many communities were still isolated, with 50,000 people estimated to be impacted, NSW State Emergency Services (SES) said. "We will continue to resupply those isolated residents by land, water and air as part of our multi-agency response," SES Chief Superintendent Paul McQueen said. "We ask you to be patient, remain in a safe location and please don't be tempted to drive through floodwaters or go sightseeing." The death toll stood at five after the body of a man in his 80s was found at a property near Taree, one of the worst-hit towns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was unable to visit Taree, as planned, because of treacherous access. "Conditions remain critical with flood and evacuation warnings in place," Albanese said on X. "We're continuing to work closely across federal, state and local governments to make sure Australians get the support they need now and through recovery." More than 600 flood rescues were carried out over the previous three days, prompting NSW Premier Chris Minns to praise the work of emergency services. "We would have had hundreds of deaths if it wasn't for the bravery, the courage of emergency service workers in the last 72 hours," he told journalists. SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said he expected the number of warnings to decrease over the weekend but urged motorists to avoid driving in floodwaters. He said stagnant water posed a health risk and that vermin and snakes could make their way into homes. The storms dumped more than six months' worth of rain over three days, according to the government weather bureau, smashing records in some areas. © 2025 AFP
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Thousands remain isolated as floods ease in eastern Australia
Tens of thousands of Australians remained isolated and thousands were without power on Saturday, authorities said as conditions in New South Wales eased after days of heavy rain that caused widespread flooding. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Floodwaters were slowly subsiding but more than 20 emergency warnings remained in place, with the focus shifting to assessing properties and delivering supplies to cut-off communities. NSW emergency authorities estimated up to 10,000 properties had been damaged by flooding, mostly in central and northern parts of the state. Many communities were still isolated, with 50,000 people estimated to be impacted, NSW State Emergency Services (SES) said. "We will continue to resupply those isolated residents by land, water and air as part of our multi-agency response," SES Chief Superintendent Paul McQueen said. "We ask you to be patient, remain in a safe location and please don't be tempted to drive through floodwaters or go sightseeing." The death toll stood at five after the body of a man in his 80s was found at a property near Taree, one of the worst-hit towns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was unable to visit Taree, as planned, because of treacherous access. "Conditions remain critical with flood and evacuation warnings in place," Albanese said on X. "We're continuing to work closely across federal, state and local governments to make sure Australians get the support they need now and through recovery." More than 600 flood rescues were carried out over the previous three days, prompting NSW Premier Chris Minns to praise the work of emergency services. "We would have had hundreds of deaths if it wasn't for the bravery, the courage of emergency service workers in the last 72 hours," he told journalists. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said he expected the number of warnings to decrease over the weekend but urged motorists to avoid driving in floodwaters. He said stagnant water posed a health risk and that vermin and snakes could make their way into homes. The storms dumped more than six months' worth of rain over three days, according to the government weather bureau, smashing records in some areas. Although difficult to link to specific disasters, scientists warn that climate change is already fuelling more extreme weather patterns.
