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People all over the country have gathered Baltimore Bridge Disaster As new details emerge. A cargo ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the bridge to collapse. Six people died in the water below and one of the busiest ports in the United States was closed due to the collision.
Also in recent weeks, an entrepreneur drowned Zhou Yingyinga shipping industry executive and Sister-in-law of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Her car was submerged in a pond during the night and she was unable to escape, resulting in her death.
These high-profile incidents highlight automotive safety within the industry and underscore the critical need to remain alert and prepared. They also highlight the unpredictable dangers of road travel and underscore the urgent need to remain vigilant and prepared.
Realtors who regularly work on their cars should consider this a call to action. Vehicle safety practices are more important than ever, especially for agents who live and work near large bodies of water and bridges.
Below, we’ll look at some of the risks that come with driving near bodies of water, how to prevent them, and what you can do in the event of a disaster.
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Here are the main dangers and how to equip yourself with prevention strategies.
bridge failure
risk: Older bridges may have structural deficiencies that can cause them to partially or completely collapse without warning if their weight limits are exceeded. Or, as was the case with the Baltimore Bridge, ships could hit it, causing it to collapse.
prevention: Always obey posted bridge weight (and height) limits and warnings. Drive carefully across bridges and look for visible damage, such as cracks. Watch for any signs of distress. In the case of Baltimore, authorities stopped more vehicles from traveling on the bridge.
Flash floods and flooded roads
risk: Low-lying roads near bodies of water can quickly become flooded after heavy rain or storm surge.
prevention: Avoid driving through standing water if possible. Just 6 inches can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
vehicle falls into water
risk: A wrong turn or collision near water can easily plunge your car into a deep, choppy lake or river.
prevention: Be alert when driving at night, especially in unfamiliar places. Use Google Maps to map your destination and learn about all the water. Keep your headlights clean and clear. If your vehicle falls into the water, act quickly but calmly. Open a window to let air in, then exit and call for help.
Wreckage after the storm
risk: Severe storms such as hurricanes, tornadoes and flash floods often leave fallen trees, huge tree limbs and other debris hazards on roads and bridges.
prevention: Drive slowly. Keep your eyes far ahead and allow enough space and time to maneuver around road obstacles to avoid sudden and safe turns.
Safety tools for your vehicle:
It is always wise to have safety kit in your car. When it comes to water safety, you need:
- Dry waterproof bags allow you to store emergency supplies such as LED street lights, ponchos, snacks, and water in a waterproof manner. It must be located in the glove box, console locker, door pocket or under the seat.
- Lifesaving hammer, automatic escape glass breaking tool, comes with spring steel nails. They are designed to break the reinforced side window glass (not the windshield) to provide an emergency exit if a car door becomes jammed. It must be stored near the driver’s seat. There can be additional passenger units throughout the vehicle.
- Similar to aircraft safety tools, accessible flotation devices and/or life jackets must be capable of self-inflating when triggered.
Vehicle submersion safety in ALIVE operations
Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, University of Manitoba, created “Operation ALIVE,” a teaching program about flooding incidents. This measure highlights a crucial but often overlooked risk: vehicle submersion.
Statistical overview: Operation ALIVE reveals that approximately 400 North Americans die in underwater vehicles each year, which means 5-11% All drownings.
Survival window: Although a vehicle may float for up to three minutes after being submerged, the best time frame for escape is within the first minute, which is the critical period to take action rather than panic.
Take Action Now: SWOC Agreement:
- SDiet zone: Immediately unbuckle yourself and any passengers.
- Windows: If the vehicle’s electrical system fails, manually open or break the windows as an escape route.
- go out: Get out of the car window in time to avoid getting trapped.
- children: Make sure to evacuate children first, starting with the oldest, as they may be able to help assist younger children.
avoid panic And the instinct to grab your phone. Quick, decisive action following the SWOC protocol can significantly increase your chances of survival.
Dr. Giesbrecht advocates this structured approach to vehicle immersion survival, which not only educates students but also saves lives by promoting a calm, systematic response to potentially dire situations. All emergency procedures should be carried out by arranging regular drills.
In an industry where cars are like any building, we must be prepared to deal with potential threats. From structural collapse to flooding, the road is fraught with dangers. However, real estate professionals can safely manage these risks with the right knowledge, tools, and preparation.
Equip your vehicle with life-saving tools, stay aware of your environment, and never underestimate the value of being prepared. Let’s move toward a safer tomorrow with homes for sale and the knowledge and tools to protect ourselves and our clients.
Tracey Hawkins is a former international real estate agent security expert, lecturers and keynote speakers.contact her LinkedIn or Instagram.
