As spring approaches, the entire country has been experiencing some crazy weather. It was 73 here in Asheville, NC, on Sunday, and today it’s 34! Texas was shut down by snow, and a family in Tenessee faced raging floodwaters in their Ram 1500. However, luckily the family of five, which included an infant, was rescued from a flooded creek before things could have gotten much worse in their Ram 1500 Classic. 

Watch a family get rescued from their Ram 1500 Classic

According to People, a family of five, including their infant, was rescued after their Ram 1500 Classic became stuck in a flooded creek. DeKalb County Fire Department (DCFB) saved the family in Liberty, Tenessee, after their truck slid off a water-covered bridge. 

Remember, folks, when it comes to crossing floodwaters, or turn around, don’t drown. When the DCFD Firefighters arrived, the truck was partially submerged in a swollen creek. The incident occurred about 60 miles southeast of Nashville. 

Nashville received a flood watch warning on Sunday from the National Weather Service because the area was expected to receive intensive rainfall rates in excess of two inches per hour at times. The warning includes that runoff from the storms would quickly overwhelm poor drainage areas as well s small creeks and streams. 

When the rescue squad arrived, they sprung into action to pull the family to safety. The Ram 1500 could have been swept away in the rushing waters. Firefighters used a raft and a bucket truck to perform the rescue. 

Rescue teams and agencies, including the Putnam County Rescue Squad, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, and Tennessee Highway Patrol, showed up to help. The DCFD thanks all responding agencies and partners who showed up to help make the rescue possible. The family made it out with no injuries. 

How safe is the Ram 1500 Classic? 

It’s unclear what model year the Ram 1500 Classic in the video is. So, we will go with the specs for the 2020 model. The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic received a four-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), according to Auto Blog.

Good thing it scored four out of five stars for its overall rollover rating. The family, including their infant, would have been in a lot more trouble if the truck flipped off the bridge. In 2019, the Ram 1500 received structural upgrades to become safer, while the Classic did not. 

The new 1500 is slightly safer than the Classic. The Classic has a higher rollover risk and received lower front-end safety scores than the 1500. Other issues involved poor headlights, braking issues, and transmission problems. But the truck still scored above average. 

How to drive in water 

If you face a water-covered bridge or road, like the family in the Ram 1500 Classic, there are a few tips to remember. The most important one is don’t risk things. Turn around and don’t drown. The road beneath the water may have been washed away, but you won’t be able to tell. Also, never go through moving water.

It only takes six inches of water with most passenger cars to reach the bottom and flood the exhaust, leaving you stuck. Plus, it doesn’t take much for vehicles to float, even with the thickest tire tread. Less than one foot of water can float SUVs and trucks. 

According to I Drive Safely, debris such as downed powerlines can also be under the water. But if you absolutely have to drive, go down the center of the road, where the water is most shallow. Take turns with other vehicles in a line to prevent splashing water. Plus, the vehicle in front can push some water out of the way. 

Only drive through extremely shallow water. Water over 1.2 an inch can increase the chances of losing control. Also, go very slowly to remain in control. Driving at about four mph can help prevent the engine from flooding. Drive in a low gear and tap the brakes lightly to avoid spinning out.