Flooded Wash? Don’t Become a “Stupid Motorist”

Last week Quartzsite visitors got a rare November treat: Rain enough to make the washes run. Usually we save our rain for the summertime when the visitors are away, lending to the illusion that, “It never rains in Arizona!”

For some newer visitors, the sight of all that rain falling in a hurry is a surprise. Not familiar with the hydrology of the area, they may not be aware that flash floods are common. An even greater surprise is the thought that a flash flood can occur in an area far removed from where the rain is falling–or has fallen.

Here’s the ticket: As you drive down Arizona’s highways and streets, it’s not uncommon to come upon a yellow traffic warning sign that reads: DO NOT ENTER WHEN FLOODED. There’s a good reason for it: These signs are posted in low lying areas along roads, typically where a desert wash (or gully to you folks from up north) crosses the road. Since we don’t get rain very often, we’re practical and don’t waste a lot of money building bridges over low spots in the road where the water occassionally runs through. On the other hand, when the wash floods, the water can come swift and deep.

Drive into a flooded wash, and you run the risk of catastrophe. As little as 6″ of running water can sweep away a vehicle; many will literally begin to float in as little as two feet. The flash flood of a running wash can not only float away your car, truck, or RV, it can also turn it over, fill it (and your lungs) with water and muck. Every year, folks in Arizona ignore those little warning signs, drive their rigs into flooded washes, and then wait for emergency services folks to get them out of their predicament.

Such a predicament can translate into a helicopter hovering over the scene, lowering a rescuer, and endangering all concerned. Hence, Arizona has its “Stupid Motorist Law.” You ignore the sign (or a barricade), drive into a wash, get into trouble, you pay the price. Literally. The law has teeth, and more and more, those teeth are begining to be used. A minimum $2,000 fine applies, and should local government decide to pursue the matter, they can also fine for each rescuer and each piece of equipment called in to perform the rescue.

Bottom line: If the wash has water in it, either wait it out or take an alternative route.

Checklist for stupid motorists: If caught in a flooded wash: (1) Roll down window (2) Climb out on vehicle roof (3) Use cell phone to call 9-1-1 and (4) Have that Visa or Mastercard ready.

Photo: Woman who got stuck in Tucson, AZ wash rescued–and arrested. Arizona Star photo.