Driving into floodwater - practice brief one December 2018

The Research into practice brief series provides concise summaries of research findings for end-users and practitioners. The material for this brief is adapted from the academic journal publication: Ahmed, M.A., Haynes, K., Taylor, M. (2018). Assessing the risks of driving into floodwater: A systematic review. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 31, pp. 953-963.

Aim

This review aims to compare and document the international research on driving into floodwater; identify risk factors; document theoretical models used to explain people’s risky behaviours; and identify intervention strategies utilised or proposed.

Method

The review utilised a systematic literature review methodology. This is different to a standard literature review as it employs rigorous methods to identify, appraise and synthesise the data. A systematic review enables a complete review of all available literature and is able to be replicated by others. A systematic review protocol was prepared and registered in PROSPERO. The protocol states the objectives, questions, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and intensive search strategies. Search terms included ‘flood’, ‘risk’, ‘drowning’, ‘driving’ and ‘vehicles’, and articles published before 31 August 2017 were included. A total of 968 titles, 430 abstracts and 52 full texts were reviewed. Of these, 24 peer-reviewed articles met the selection criteria.

Risk factors identified 

Risk factors identified in the 24 studies were classified into seven categories:

• Reasons for driving into floodwater
• Demographic factors
• Situational factors
• Environmental factors
• Flood risk indicators
• Social factors
• Individual factors

To find out more, download the full practice brief (three page pdf) at bnhcrc.com.au/resources/guide-fact-sheet/5286