Charleston City Eyes ‘No Wake’ Law Prohibiting Vehicles and Boats on Flooded Streets
In efforts to mitigate flood-related damages and risks to safety, officials in Charleston, S.C., are considering a ‘No wake’ law that would make it illegal to operate cars and boats on flooded city streets. The proposed law comes amidst a rising concern over the more common occurrence of floods during storms.
‘No Wake’ Law Details
The proposed city ordinance seeks to prohibit the usage of vehicles or boats on flooded streets, roads, highways, bridges or alleys within city limits. Furthermore, driving through flooded areas at speeds in excess of 5 mph, in a way that creates wakes or waves that damage property or push water beyond the streetside would also be illegal. Road closure barricades and signs must also be respected. Exceptions would be made for emergency vehicles operating during flood events. Violations of the ordinance would incur fines, the amount of which is yet to be determined.
Why The ‘No Wake’ Law?
City leaders argue that the ordinance is long overdue, as the city is increasingly having to deal with floods. “It’s incredibly dangerous to drive through flooded waters, and when you go through at high speeds, you create a wake that could be very damaging to your neighbor’s property,” says Mayor William Cogswell.
Additionally, District Eight Councilman Mike Seekings emphasizes the importance of compliance with the ordinance for the safety of both the public and first responders. “If you’re a first responder and they have multiple calls, every single one of them is a potentially dangerous situation for them. Don’t put them or yourself there,” he says.
Local Reaction to the Proposed Law
Many locals, too, are welcoming the move. Business owner Roy Neal views it as a necessary action to save lives and property in face of the recurring floods in Charleston. He says, “If you have to enact a law to tell people not to drive through waters, it’s going to save lives and businesses and damages.”
What’s Next?
The proposed ordinance will go through a series of three readings in front of the council starting in August. City officials also stressed on education about the law, once in place. “When it’s in place, we’ll put plenty of information out there. We’ve just requisitioned a whole bunch more barricades, so it’ll be easier to put the barricades out,” says Councilman Seekings.
This initiative reinforces the city’s commitment to prudent risk mitigation while addressing its perennial flood problem. It’s a message to the community that safety, environmental responsibility, and civil obedience are paramount.
