You’ve heard of the “Turn around, don’t drown” PSA regarding flash floods and roadways. However, and it might seem obvious, driving around a mudslide isn’t a good idea, either. One California driver learned that the hard way when he tried to rescue his Toyota Tundra from a huge, fast-moving mudslide. Needless to say, it didn’t go well. And it’s all on video. 

A video shows a Toyota Tundra owner trying to rescue his truck from a huge California mudslide– unsuccessfully

A popular social media video shows a nasty mudslide in Oak Glen, California, near San Bernardino. The cascading tidal wave of mud and debris surges over a road right next to the parking lot at the Oak Glen Steakhouse Saloon. And right near the flow? A gray third-generation Toyota Tundra.

Then the truck’s apparent owner enters the frame. He seems desperate to save the full-size pickup truck from impending destruction. The truck is facing forward in its spot with the flow of the mudslide running along the driver’s side door.

He throws open the passenger door and maneuvers his way into the driver’s seat. A moment later, the truck’s lights flash, signaling that he’s in control of the truck. At least, he was in that moment.

Seconds later, another mighty surge of the mudslide comes down, nearly surrounding the gray Toyota Tundra. He puts the truck in reverse and attempts to back out of the space. It’s no use. The truck and driver get swept up in the torrent of fast-flowing mud, trees, and rocks.

Fortunately, the driver reportedly survived the emergency, though the condition of his truck is unknown. And wild events like this happen more than you might think. According to the US Geological Survey, mudslides and landslides kill between 25 and 50 people every year. It’s a sobering reminder that your personal safety is worth much, much more than your vehicle.