The internet is full of determined motorists attempting to drive their vehicle through deep flood waters only to be left stranded once their vehicle predictably loses ground or breaks down. The latest comes to us from the appropriately named /r/IdiotsInCars subreddit and shows the driver of a K2XX-generation Chevy Silverado HD attempting to drive through a badly flooded underpass and failing.
This clip shows the driver of a silver Chevy Silverado HD approaching the underpass at Franklin Avenue and I-610 in New Orleans, which is notorious for taking on water during and after heavy rain storms. Under the wrongful assumption that his high-riding pickup truck is capable of driving through deep water, the motorist decides to proceed through the underpass, only making it about three quarters of the way through before his truck begins floating. The driver then emerges from the truck, climbs on the hood and stands there, seemingly bewildered at the situation that just unfolded.
It should go without saying that the vast majority of factory pickup trucks, even relatively large ones like the Chevy Silverado HD, are not capable of fording water at these depths. Lifted suspension would be ideal here, helping to ensure the engine bay does not become flooded with water and damage the alternator and other components, while an intake snorkel may also have come in handy. That said, we don’t suggest attempting to drive through flooded streets, no matter how well prepped your truck or SUV is, as stranded motorists may be at risk and can create more work for first responders.
Check out the video embedded below.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Silverado news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Stupid Is As Stupid Does
That may have been a very expensive decision
If the intake sucked in water the damage to the engine could be catastrophic
Let alone the damage to the computer.
I have been in deep water but you need to make sure to be looking out the window and when the water gets close to the top of the wheels …….back out…. Because your not going to make it.
Please just turn around. Only Very Special Off Road Trucks can do this, these trucks rarely every drive on the Street! Please be Safe!!!
You’d think by the time the water was half way up the door that he would have reconsidered his (bad) decision. My question: At what point did the oh S**T moment set in for him?
How stupid! Risk not worth the reward. Reminds me of the old vw beetle commercial. Definitely floats, but not indefinitely.
IDIOT! This is why auto insurance is so costly.
It’s to be hoped that his insurance company rejected his claim.
Auto insurance covers stupidity.
can’t fix stupid !!!
Interesting, it FLOATED. Never thought of that? He should have gunned the engine in reverse a little once he floated.
It floated because of the air in the tires , he can’t gun the engine in reverse because it stalled dummy . Air intake sucked in water smothering and stalling the engine. Once water fills the interior it will drop . All his electronics are fried too , from fuse box to ECU , TCU .
Turn around,
Don’t drown
That’s not a HD retard it’s just a half ton
Someone in my area drowned like this because unknown to him, the flooding had washed the road away as well as a large chunk of the ground below. He was unable to get out. It amazes me that this is still happening. Sad though.
Idiots like this keep the economy moving. Insurance pays claim, first responders get involved, towing company, car dealers, maybe a rental vehicle. Had to get where he was going and didn’t get there. He’ll do it again.
Someone wanna tell me the point in this article? Yes we know vehicles can’t go under water he made a mistake ok cool. It’s not that deep.
Hay Caleb
The truck was floating and you say “It’s not that deep” It was sufficiently deep that the truck wheels couldn’t touch the roadway.
I’m talking about deep as in its not that serious. people do make dumb mistakes all the time is my point. doesn’t deserve a whole article, a YouTube vide at the most. lol
I fell sorry for the individual who buys that vehicle without knowing what this owner did
Wow…..just wow. Either he has a lot of money to burn or really damn stupid!
Can you find out who it is and interview him!
Maybe he bought the silverado because he was so sold in the hype of this magnificent non waterproof beast.