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Safety Tips for Driving in Severe Weather
Driving has its risks on a clear day, but what about when the weather turns sour? Whether it’s a tornado or driving through dense fog, it’s important to know how to react. These simple tips can help you stay safe on the road when severe weather hits:
Tornadoes: Avoid trying to outrun the storm. Tornadoes move quickly and can change directions unexpectedly. Exit your vehicle and seek shelter immediately. Head straight for the basement or a bathroom in a nearby building. If no buildings are nearby, look for treeless, low-lying land. Crouch and cover your head as you wait for the storm to pass.
Fog: Drive slowly and avoid the highway, if you can. Driving slowly gives you more time to react to other drivers. Use your low-beam headlights; high beams simply reflect the fog, making it difficult to see lane dividers and shoulders. Finally, keep your windows open. This helps you hear other drivers you might not see.
Floods: Over half of flood-related deaths occur when cars are driven into floodwaters. Floodwaters move quickly, and drivers often underestimate the current’s force. If you approach a flooded roadway, the safest choice is to find an alternate route.
Hail: Avoid stopping on the side of the road or beneath an overpass, which can contribute to dangerous traffic jams. Instead, pull into the first parking lot you see. Stay in your car but move toward the center of the vehicle in case the hail shatters a window. It’s also a good idea to take cover under a blanket or coat.
Straight-line winds: Often accompanying thunderstorms, straight-line winds can be a strong as tornadoes. Leaving your car might not be an option. Instead, keep both hands on the wheel and pull over to a low-lying area. Turn on your hazard lights and wait for the wind to subside.
Keep your car ready
It’s always good to be prepared. Store basic first aid supplies in your car in case of injury. Also, keep a blanket on hand so it can shield you from shattered glass and falling debris. If the forecast looks grim and you can’t stay home, make sure your phone is charged and someone is aware of your travel plans.