The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is reminding residents to not drive around road closure barricades, even if the barricades have been moved to the side of the roadway.

The roads that were flooded need to be inspected by engineers, to ensure the roadways are structurally sound and can handle the vehicle traffic, officials said.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Operations Center is reminding citizens to drive safely and adhere to all road closures due to flooded roads.

Flooding is one of Michigan’s most common hazards. According to the National Weather Service, more than half of flood-related fatalities involved driving.

Flooding can weaken roads or cause them to wash out entirely, making driving through flooded areas dangerous.

It is difficult to judge the depth of flood waters and only takes six inches of water to reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.

Residents are reminded to turn around, don’t drown when encountering a flooded road.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement agencies in the county  will be checking on the status of the various road closure barricades that have been set up. The “status checks” on these road closure barricades and the roadways will remain until the roads are inspected and approved to be reopened to the motoring public. Enforcement action can be taken against any motorists, who disregard these traffic control devices.