By Timothy Albrite
Last year, when the weatherman sounded the alarm for El Niño, he got himself caught in a storm of ridicule and jokes. A scenario reminiscent of my Sunday school tales, particularly the story of Noah and his ark.
Fast forward a few months, and the tides have turned – quite literally. The once-mocked weatherman now stands on a pedestal of respect, as Kenyans eagerly heed his forecasts. Why the sudden change? Think of Noah again, dear Sunday school companions. The rains, although fashionably late, have finally graced us with their presence. And they’re not here to play.
As normalcy returns to our day-to-day lives, the roads are bustling with activity. Motorists navigate the thoroughfares for their daily commutes, school drop-offs and pick-ups, shopping escapades, and the indispensable transport industry. However, the recent rains have brought an unwelcome companion – flooding. Now, motorists find themselves grappling with a crucial question: how much water is safe to cross, and where does one draw the line?
AA Autonews, in collaboration with Fred Majiwa of St. John’s Ambulance, present to you the answer to that question.
In the realm of watery challenges, Fred Majiwa presents us with a sobering truth: SUVs and family vehicles, despite their size, are surprisingly light when faced with moving water. He sternly advises against crossing water that has reached past knee level, a threshold where danger becomes an uninvited companion.
If you’re an avid reader of this column, we’ve come to understand that Kenyans possess a brave and daring heart. A heart, however, that sometimes ventures into misplaced risks. While the risks involved in crossing moving water above knee level are significant, there is a cautious consideration for water below knee level.
Water Below Knee Level
Fred Majiwa suggests that, if absolutely necessary, and after careful assessment, crossing water below knee level might be permissible. However, this allowance comes with a set of precautions and a keen awareness of potential risks. Such risks may include encountering weakened ground, the possibility of getting stuck, unexpected encounters with reptiles, sliding on wet roads, exposure to infected water, and potential electrocution hazards.
It’s crucial for motorists to exercise extreme caution, armed with the knowledge that water below knee level doesn’t eliminate risks but may present a more manageable scenario if approached with vigilance and adherence to safety measures. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the guidelines for navigating flooded roads below knee level, ensuring your journey remains both brave and, most importantly, safe.