So… I did it again.
I got stuck in floodwater.
Not because I didn’t know better.
But because I did—and chose wrong anyway.
[Visual cue: Fade in from black, clip of your old video saying “I’ll never do that again.” Hard cut to rain pouring on windshield.]
Segment 1: The Setup – A Familiar Storm
It was around 7:30 p.m. I was leaving work, same place as always, and the storm outside?
Just about identical to the one two weeks earlier.
That night, two weeks ago, I posted a dashcam clip of myself driving through standing water—and saying, “I’ll never do that again.”
[Insert: Dashcam footage from 2 weeks ago. Include the audio of “I’ll never do that again.” Overlay text: “Two weeks earlier…”]
The first red flag? Water bubbling up from the parking garage floor.
The drains were already overwhelmed.
I even narrated that into my dashcam. “This looks exactly like last time.”
[Insert: Current dashcam footage of bubbling garage + narration. Overlay text: “7:32 p.m. – Déjà vu.”]
I started to take a different exit. But it was blocked off.
So… I went the same way I did two weeks ago.
And this time, I didn’t make it.
[Insert: Dashcam of left turn being coned off → turning toward flood street.]
Segment 2: The Stall – And the Panic
There was a deep stretch of water ahead. Maybe 8 to 12 inches deep.
I panicked.
Instead of crawling through slowly, like I knew I should…
I hit the gas.
And just about 3 feet from the end of the puddle… the car died.
[Insert: Dashcam shows vehicle entering water. Cut to moment it stalls. Onscreen caption: “7:34 p.m. – Engine stalled.”]
[Optional audio insert: Subtle sound of engine failing, if clean from dashcam mic.]
That moment—when your car stops moving, and you’re surrounded by water—you don’t forget it.
[Insert: Clip of your hands reacting, shaking, or visible panic (if available).]
I sat there. Hands shaking. Trying to figure out if I should open the windows.
Get out. Stay in.
I didn’t know what to do.
[Insert: Interior dashcam, slow zoom. Text overlay: “Now what?”]
Eventually, I picked up the phone and called 911.
[Insert: Start of 911 call audio here. Optional captions if unclear. E.g., “911, what is your emergency?” / “I’m stuck in floodwater.”]
Told them I was stuck. Water surrounding me.
I stayed calm during the call… and broke down about five minutes later.
[If available: insert silent visual of head drop, hand to face, or just car interior. Overlay: “Emotion hit me hard.”]
Segment 3: The Roof – And the Realization
I decided to climb out.
Rolled the window down.
Hoisted myself up—half praying I didn’t slip.
I stood on the roof of my car.
In the rain.
Then made my way to the sidewalk, toward the parking structure across the street.
And that’s when I saw it.
The drain.
A large storm drain… right across from where I stalled.
Just overloaded.
[Insert: Phone video from inside parking structure looking across street to the drain location. Overlay: “Blocked drain spotted.”]
Ten minutes after I got out, the water receded.
Ten minutes.
I could have made it through if I had waited just ten more minutes.
Or better yet—not gone in at all.
[Insert: Timelapse or before/after phone footage of water level change.]
Segment 4: Waiting in It – And the Aftermath
The police arrived about 15–20 minutes after the 911 call.
They were kind. Professional. Asked if I was okay.
Told me they’d notify Universal security.
[Insert: Audio from police interaction on dashcam if available. Overlay: “Police arrive – 7:55 p.m.”]
But I didn’t see security for another hour.
And the tow truck? Took at least another hour after that.
[Insert: Phone video of tow truck pulling up or car being hooked.]
At least I was able to find shelter in the parking structure.
And I watched from across the street as car after car drove by my stalled vehicle.
[Insert: Phone footage of other drivers passing your car in the flooded lane.]
Eventually, the tow truck pulled it out.
I rode with them to the dealership, clothes still soaked.
Then took an Uber home.
[Insert: Selfie-style clip or tow truck ride footage.]
Segment 5: The Real Cost
And here’s the part I knew was coming:
• I’d have to return the next day just to drop off the keys.
• Then wait to hear the repair diagnosis.
• Then figure out how much it’s going to cost.
As of this recording… I still don’t know what the bill is going to be.
But I do know it’s going to cost more than just money.
It cost me time.
It cost me peace of mind.
It cost me pride.
Segment 6: Why I’m Telling You This
I debated even making this episode.
I’m embarrassed. Deeply.
Not because I got stuck. But because I told everyone I wouldn’t do it again.
And then I did.
[Insert: Flashback to “I’ll never do that again” clip. Overlay: “Famous last words.”]
But I’m sharing it anyway. Because I want you to learn from this.
If you’re ever driving out of Universal in a storm—
especially in the summer—
Don’t take that street.
You can actually see the flood from the parking structure before you get in your car.
I’m going to post a map so you can visualize it.
And if it helps just one employee, one family, one Uber driver…
Then maybe it was worth it.
Segment 7: What I’d Do Differently (And What You Can)
If I could rewind to 7:28 that night, I’d do two things differently:
1. Trust my first instinct. When I saw the water bubbling up, I knew.
2. Wait. Just wait. Ten minutes later the water was gone.
Here’s what I want you to know:
• 6 inches of water can stall most cars
• 12 inches can float a vehicle
• 24 inches can carry it away
And just because you got through it once… doesn’t mean you will again.
The first time was luck.
The second time was a lesson.
Closing
I messed up.
And I want to be better—not just as a driver, but as a voice.
So I’m sharing this with you not as an expert, but as someone who got it wrong.
I’m not proud of this. But I am proud that I’m being honest.
There’s more video on my YouTube—dashcam, tow truck, and maybe even the 911 call.
If you’ve ever made a mistake, doubled down on it, and had to eat crow…
I’m with you.
Thanks for listening. Stay dry.
Stay smart.
And as always…
thanks for riding with me.
[Fade out with montage of moments: stall, drain, tow, roof, walking away. Text: “Turn around. Don’t drown.”]