Final answer:
You can lose control of your vehicle in as little as 12 inches of water due to the risk of the vehicle being lifted and swept away. It is critical to be cautious when driving through standing or moving water. Even minimal water depths have been associated with drowning in certain situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
You can lose control of your vehicle in as little as 12 inches of water. This is because water at that height can lift your vehicle, making it difficult to control, and potentially leading to a dangerous situation. It's important to remember to drive cautiously during heavy rainfall or when you encounter standing water on the road.
Even though vehicles vary in weight and size, shallow waters can still present a significant threat. Additional risk comes with moving water, where as little as 6 inches can be enough to cause loss of control. If the water is moving swiftly, it can even carry a vehicle downstream.
In contrast, even 30 mm (about 1 1/2 inches) of water can be lethal in some circumstances, as it has been known to lead to drownings in scenarios involving incapacitated individuals. Hence, it's always advisable to exercise extreme caution around any standing or flowing water, regardless of its depth.