Minnesota Blue Card Practice Test

What is the depth of moving water that can carry away most vehicles?

1. 1 foot

2. 2 feet

3. 3 feet

4. 4 feet

The correct answer is: 2 feet

When considering the depth of moving water capable of carrying away most vehicles, the correct choice indicates that 2 feet of moving water is sufficient to pose a significant risk. At this depth, the force of the current can easily exert enough pressure to lift lighter vehicles, such as cars, and cause them to be swept away. It's important to understand the dynamics involved with moving water. Even though vehicles may appear to be stable, currents can be deceptive, and the force generated by just 2 feet of water can be surprisingly powerful. Additionally, as the depth increases, the risk grows and vehicles can be completely submerged, leading to a higher likelihood of being carried off by the current. Common safety advisories indicate that any amount of moving water can be dangerous, but 2 feet is often cited as a critical threshold where vehicles are at serious risk. In scenarios where one foot of water is present, while it can still be hazardous for pedestrians, it typically isn't deep enough to significantly affect most vehicles. Likewise, choosing 3 or 4 feet would exceed what is necessary to present a realistic understanding of the situation, as the correct threshold is defined at 2 feet for most vehicles.