During periods of heavy rain, certain areas of Columbus and Bartholomew County are prone to flooding. This prompts city authorities to close certain roads by placing "road closed" signs and orange cones in the road to act as a barricade.
They’re placed in the roadways for good reason. The water is high, and attempting to drive through the water is likely to be problematic.
Those warnings should be clear.
So, too, is the fact that local police have indicated they will fine violators who disregard the flood barricades and drive around them. And, they have.
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Unfortunately, too many motorists ignore the barricades and warnings and drive around the signs and into the water. And, too often, the motorists becomes stranded, thus necessitating assistance from law enforcement, including water rescues.
These are situations that can be avoided if motorists just heed the warnings.
More than 500 calls for water rescues have been made in the past five years, according to county officials. Some of those are the result of motorists disregarding the flood barricades.
Those who don’t heed the warnings had better start.
County officials are considering increasing the fine for disregarding and driving around flood barricades. They want to increase the amount to $500, a significant jump from the state-imposed $140.
We think this is a good idea.
Current fines are not having an impact. A harder hit to the wallet might. We support such an increase.
