Wadi Crossing Safety Alert

1
HSE Bulletin
06/97

Committed to

• Flowing Wadis
• Recent Tragedies
• During March 1997 a contractors 4WD vehicle
  attempted to cross a fast flowing wadi. The
  contractors vehicle followed a trailer-truck
  across the wadi. Part way across the wadi the
  truck stopped which forced the contractor driver
  to stop his vehicle. This resulted in the
  contractors vehicle becoming trapped by rubble
  which was being carried downstream by the water.
  The crew of the vehicle did not attempt to save
  themselves by wading to shore or by trying to
  reach the truck, instead they stayed with their
  vehicle. The rising, fast flowing water,
  subsequently swept the vehicle away which
  resulted in the loss of one life.
• In another wadi crossing incident during May
  1997, a contractors vehicle attempted to cross a
  slightly flowing wadi at relatively high speed.
  The driver lost control of the vehicle while
  crossing the wadi with the result that the
  vehicle rolled over several times. This resulted
  in one fatality.
• Learning Points
• A flowing wadi crossing is dangerous,
  irrespective of whether the crossing is fast
  flowing or slightly flowing.
• A fast flowing wadi may
• cause rubble to build up around the tyres of a
  vehicle resulting in the vehicle becoming trapped
• sweep the vehicle off the crossing and carry it
  downstream
• A slightly flowing wadi may
• cause the road surface of the crossing to be
  extremely slippery thereby making it very easy
  for the driver to lose control of the vehicle
• conceal hazards below the water, eg pot holes,
  which could cause a driver to lose control of the
  vehicle.
• Recommendations
• Drivers should note and apply the following
• do not cross a flowing wadi (even a slightly
  flowing one) at speed, slow down
• do not attempt to cross a wadi unless your exit
  route from the wadi is clear, eg wait until the
  vehicle in front of you has cleared the wadi
  before you start to cross
• cross at low speed in the appropriate gear (low
  ratio 4WD for a light vehicle) to reduce the risk
  of water entering the engine / ignition system(s)
  which could cause you to stop
• if there is any doubt about your ability to
  cross a wadi, wait until the water level has gone
  down
• water levels can rise rapidly. If your vehicle
  does become stuck in a wadi, then, if you believe
  that you can reach a place of safety, eg if you
  can wade to shore, then you should act promptly
  and leave your vehicle while you are still able
  to do so.