14 Tips & Tricks For Driving In Sudden Severe Weather

Weather can be fickle, especially in the spring. One moment the road is dry and the next there’s a deluge of rain and drivers are pulling over. Slowing down, maintaining a safe distance, and braking gradually will help ease the panic of sudden severe weather. Before venturing out in severe weather we can all agree that finding the cheapest car insurance will help you feel safe and secure while enhancing your driving confidence. Furthermore, these types of extreme weather are more likely to get you into an accident, so it also may be worth reading some practical tips on getting a car accident lawyer.

Flash Floods

1. Flash floods are dangerous because they come out of nowhere. It might be a normal rainfall and then suddenly the roads are submerged in water. Places to be especially aware of the possibility of a flash flood include coastlines, along rivers, dry creek beds and even in urban areas. Low-lying areas, driveways, parking lots, and buildings may be especially vulnerable.
2. Avoid driving into an area that is flooding. If it is too difficult to tell visually, don’t take the chance, drive around it or turn around. People who choose to drive through a flooded area are often swept away in their car, making it difficult to escape or be rescued.
3. If at all possible, drive to higher ground immediately when you see the flooding and wait for it to subside. Keeping your weather notifications on will keep you alert and informed of any impending bad weather.

Extreme Winds

1. Slow your driving speed when you encounter high winds. If you continue at a rapid pace, a horrendous wind gust could easily make you lose control of the vehicle. This is especially true over bridges, as winds will be at their full force.
2. Drivers have a very difficult time navigating larger, higher profile vehicles in windy weather. The SUV or truck may become difficult to steer accurately, posing a risk of collision with other drivers. If you’re able to pull over safely or take an extended break until the winds subside, it’s recommended to do so.
3. Be aware of falling and flying debris. Everything from garbage to tree branches and even trees themselves may pose an issue depending on the wind speed and the area. If there has been a lot of rain, shallow rooted trees will be more likely to topple over in heavy winds.

Hail Storms

1. Hail storms can do extensive damage to vehicles and to people. During times of violent hail, trees are not safe to be near because the hail can bring them down. If possible, drive to a shelter to minimize damage. Shelters include: tunnels, under overpasses, and in parking garages. 
2. Since it will be difficult to see and the road will become icy, turn headlights on low beams (avoid high beams) and drive slowly. Driving fast will only increase the hail damage. 

Tornadoes

1. If you see a tornado in the distance and can determine its direction, drive at a right angle to where it’s headed. For example, if it’s headed east, then you should drive south.
2. Don’t try to outrun a tornado. If you aren’t able to tell the direction of its path, it might be headed right for you. Find immediate shelter in a building and go to an inner room or basement.
3. If you are stuck inside the car, keep your seatbelt on and shield your head from a possible shattered windshield, keeping your head down.

Thunder & Lightning

1. Don’t park under a tree; lightning could hit the tree which could then collapse on your vehicle. Being out in the open is actually safer, because the vehicle’s tires ground the car if lightning does hit it.
2. Avoid touching any of the metal inside the car, just in case of a lightning strike. Mentally prepare yourself for the thunder and lightning to help avoid the panic that arises.
3. Slow down and turn on your emergency flashers: the bright flashes of lightning, heavy booms of thunder and deluge of rain increase anxiety and lower visibility.

Whether you are on a road trip or just going down the road to the grocery store, getting caught up in bad weather can be terrifying and traumatic. The most important thing to do, initially, is to remain calm and remember that there are safety precautions you can take that will help you and your passengers. Keeping a weather app on your phone so you are notified immediately in the event of changing weather will let you feel safe and confident while on the road.