Driving can be very dangerous and confusing when it comes to severe weather. Should you keep driving or should you stop? What do you do if the traffic lights are out? Whether you get caught driving in a hurricane, severe thunderstorm, or flood, questions like these have a tendency to inundate our minds, especially when we are unprepared for such incidents.
If you are not already driving, it is best for you to stay wherever you are until the severe weather has passed. There is no need to get out in such dangerous driving weather if you don’t need to. “Often, injuries and deaths occur in the aftermath of storms”. Even after the storm has passed, it is best to stay inside for an extended period of time, out of the way of emergency personnel. If you need to drive somewhere after the storm, you need to drive slower than usual and more carefully to avoid hydroplaning and other after-storm hazards. Remember to buckle your seatbelt when heading out! “Four of the reported deaths related to Tropical Storm Fay involved motorists who were not wearing their seatbelts”.
If you get caught in the storm while driving, there are some things you need to watch out for. For starters, it is always beneficial to drive slower and more alert, avoiding such distractions as the radio and cell phones. Also, make sure to be on your guard when it comes to high winds, especially in taller vehicles and on motorcycles. Such strong winds tend to make driving very difficult. Make sure never to drive through flooded areas. “The area of roadway you cannot see beneath the water may be washed out or the water may conceal debris, tree branches or even power lines”. If the traffic lights are out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. However, sometimes police officers will already be there directing traffic. If that’s the case, follow their directions.
As you can see, driving in severe weather calls for alert and cautious drivers. If you are behind the wheel in such severe weather conditions, make sure to heed the saying, “better safe than sorry”. It just might save your life! If you have any more questions regarding this topic check out the following sights: http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/safety-2/severe-weather-1/severe-weather-driving/
http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/thunder.html
http://www.flhsmv.gov/SafetyTips/Weather.htm
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