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Drone Boat Can Save Lives During Caltrans Emergency Flood Inspections Of Bridges

NOVATO (CBS SF) -- Caltrans crews used one of their coolest and newest "toys" during Thursday's big storm to tackle a lifesaving job.

The heavy rains caused the San Antonio Creek to swell to levels unseen in previous drought months. It would be dangerous for crews to try and inspect its bridge. It would be equally dangerous if the someone got hurt trying to cross it.

Thanks to their new remote-controlled drone boat, Caltrans can get a close up look at the span and the creek during the storm.

This brand new device is only 6 months old. It looks like something a 12-year-old might play with, but it records a ton of data, like water levels and flow.

The near 100-year-old San Antonio Creek Bridge is prone to flooding and major highway closures.

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