Take driving responsibility during wet season

THE Queensland wet season starts about the same time every year and, inevitably, the same controversial issues crop up time and again. The latest to rear its ugly head is widespread criticism of the Bureau of Meteorology, after heavier than expected storms swept the state and left many unprepared.

But lost in the rush to find a scapegoat is the real concern that we're all too eager to play the blame game rather than take personal responsibility.

Watching news reports of recent storms, I couldn't help but notice that no one seemed to suggest looking up as a means to determine the weather.

The lightning and black sky is usually a dead giveaway.

Rain, and wet weather in general, seems to bring out the worst in people.

For example, the dangers of crossing a flooded road are well-known after several motorists lost their lives in the tragic summer of disaster two years ago.

And yet, despite this, hundreds of Queenslanders still throw caution to the wind and need to be rescued every wet season.

It's why RACQ has partnered with the State Government for the If It's Flooded, Forget It campaign.

Flowing water can sweep vehicles off the road at surprisingly shallow depths and there's no safe way to know how deep or strong the current is.

Most of us do the right thing, but unfortunately, too many don't.

As motorists, we need to take personal responsibility for our safety and not cross flooded roads.

We've even made it simple to remember - if it's flooded, forget it.