JAF Okayama Launches Flood Pressure Experience Door to Demonstrate Danger of Driving Through Flooded Underpasses

The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) Okayama Branch (Branch Chief: Yuji Nakagawa) has installed a 'Flood Pressure Experience Door' at its facility, allowing visitors to simulate the water pressure exerted on car doors during road flooding.

In recent years, heavy rains and typhoons have caused frequent flooding in underpasses and low-lying areas, resulting in incidents where drivers and passengers have been trapped inside vehicles. With Okayama Prefecture officially entering the rainy season on June 4, and with the threat of torrential rains and typhoon season approaching, raising awareness about the dangers of driving through flooded roads has become increasingly critical.

This initiative aims to help the public intuitively understand these risks through direct experience, ultimately preventing accidents before they occur.

Flood Pressure Experience Door

About the 'Road Flood Pressure Experience Door'

Developed through collaboration between JAF's Chugoku Regional Headquarters and Mazda Motor Corporation, this device uses actual car doors and seats to simulate the water pressure experienced when attempting to open a door during flooding equivalent to a water depth of approximately 60 cm.

As water levels rise, the door becomes extremely heavy, requiring significantly more force than under normal conditions. This safely demonstrates how difficult it can be to escape from inside a vehicle once it is partially submerged.

Through this hands-on experience, participants can better understand the importance of avoiding flooded roads altogether and the necessity of evacuating the vehicle quickly and early.

Future Use

The device will be used throughout the year at traffic safety workshops and disaster prevention events to promote public awareness and encourage appropriate decision-making during heavy rain and flooding situations.

Contact Information

JAF Okayama Branch, Operations Division

17-23 Shimoifuku Kamimachi, Kita-ku, Okayama City 700-0051

TEL: 086-250-0373

(Reception hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00–17:00; closed on weekends and holidays)