A Winnipegger took this photo on I-29 near Fargo on Sunday, April 10, 2011. (DALE BURGOS / TWITTER)
A water safety and survival expert from the University of Manitoba will demonstrate why it’s not safe to drive over flooded highways today.
Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht — also known as Professor Popsicle — will be working with the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team to film an instructional video on what can happen if you drive over a flooded road or highway.
Giesbrecht will carry out his demonstration south of Ste. Agathe in the same spot a man lost his life last week while attempting to drive over a flooded road.
Gary Stott, brother of the late Raymond Stott, will be in attendance to support the prevention of such tragedies from happening again.
Giesbrecht says few people realize a vehicle can start floating in as little as 16-18″ (40-45 cm) of water. Once the vehicle floats it can quickly be pushed off the road and over ditches, creeks or rivers where the water is deep enough for the vehicle to become submerged and drown its occupants.
