I have a vehicle which is more than capable of safely getting through a metre of water with a very minor modification, do I deserve to have my bank account drained?!
But you cannot see what is under the water.
1) Can you see the edge of the road - you could end up in a ditch
2) The current can be very strong deep water moving at only slow speeds can exert a huge force and wash a vehicle away.
3) Manhole covers may have blown and be invisible - will you be sure that a wheel will not get stuck in an open manhole cover?
I am well aware of the dangers of driving into deep water. The previous poster suggested that I should have my bank account drained simply because I think, and know, I could drive through standing water of a metre or so depth which I find a very odd concept indeed!
I've driven through deep water, deep mud, deep snow uneventfully without inconveniencing anyone else. Why should I be financially deprived for that?! On a few occasions I've dragged other unfortunate folk from floods and managed not to get all judgemental/condescending on them. Yes, it's pretty stupid getting stuck and technically breaking the law, but at the end of the day we all make mistakes from time to time.