Earlier I told you that my family is bracing to deal with Hurricane Flossie. Make no mistake; hurricane and tornado season is here and for travelers that means making sure you have emergency plans for a natural disaster.
That goes double for those of you who do a lot of driving across the Great Plains and the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. It’s important to know what to do if you forced to drive in severe weather. According to the AAA (and common sense), it’s always better to stay off the roads until inclement weather has passed. But if you absolutely must venture out in severe weather for a medical emergency or during an evacuation, it’s a good idea to follow these simple rules to keep from becoming a weather-related statistic:
Remain Alert. Keep your eyes on the road at all times (that means staying off your cellphone while driving) and keep an eye out for debris. Major storms often bring with them downed tree limbs, flying glass and trashcans, not to mention the hundreds of other projectile objects that can be picked up in high winds. If it’s possible try to avoid driving over the debris to protect your tires. Also, if you see downed power lines turn your car around and take an alternate route.
Slow Down. Remember my hydroplaning horror story? Let that be a lesson to you to take it easy out on the roads in bad weather. Driving fast on wet roads is a recipe for disaster. You’ll hydroplane more easily than you think, especially when winds exceed 25 mph. It’s also a good idea to learn how to countersteer in your particular vehicle in case you begin to skid.
Practice the Four-Way Rule. If you’re driving and encounter a power outage (the streetlights go out) you need to be prepared to use the four-way rule. When you get to an intersection, come to a complete stop and allow traffic through the intersection one at a time. When it’s your turn, proceed slowly and check all directions to make sure it’s safe to cross.
Never Drive Through Standing Water. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that your vehicle won’t run if your engine is submerged underwater. As a general rule you should simply avoid driving through floodwaters. If you absolutely have to drive through an area with high water, move slowly to avoid piling up water in the front of your vehicle and flooding the engine.
Related Articles:
What To Know Before You Travel During Hurricane Season
Winter Driving—Tips On How To Navigate Through Treacherous Travel Conditions
Winter Driving: I’m Stranded-What Do I Do Now?