Severe Weather Driving Tips

Weather conditions in the summer can rapidly change; a thunderstorm can come within a matter of minutes. Make sure you and your drivers are ready to tackle all weather conditions. 

Tornados:

• Do not drive during tornado conditions.
• Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly, lift a car or truck, and toss it through the air.
• Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.
• If there is no time to get indoors or no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Overpasses also can be places of refuge, however, be aware of the potential for flooding.

Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning:

• Be informed of approaching storms through a weather app or the radio.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado.
• Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
• Maintain extra distance between vehicles for braking.
• Do not drive unless necessary.
• If visibility is low, pull safely onto the shoulder of the road, away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
• Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
• Stay in your vehicle and move away from being in the open. Your vehicle provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open.
• Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside.
• Avoid flooded roadways.
• Avoid downed power lines.
• Check your windshield wipers and tires regularly to ensure that they are ready for severe weather.
• Approach intersections with caution
• Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs.