How To Drive Safely During A Thunderstorm With Pictures

If you don’t have a choice in driving during a storm, find a weather station on the radio so you can keep track of the conditions while driving. [1] X Research source

Mild to severe rain Thunder and lightning strikes Strong winds Weather closely associated with thunderstorms (e. g. hailstorms or tornadoes) Affected road conditions (e. g. flooded roads, muddy roads, or roads blocked by debris)

Oil and antifreeze levels Windshield wipers Blinkers Brakes Headlights and taillights Tires (newer tires are less susceptible to hydroplaning) Ensure you have insurance paperwork and your license with you, as well as emergency equipment for your car (e. g. spare tires).

Bring your cell phone with you. If you get stuck in your car or end up in an emergency situation, it will help to be able to call emergency services and/or an emergency contact.

Water Snacks high in protein A first-aid kit or medical supplies Flashlights, battery-powered radio, and spare batteries Emergency contact cards Blankets Clothing and toiletries Cell phone charger Adjust the supplies based on your personal circumstances (e. g. driving with family or with a pet).

If you’re driving with other passengers in the car (especially children), make sure they wear seatbelts, too.

Don’t multitask while driving. Keep both hands on the wheel and be ready to slow down at any given moment. [10] X Research source

In the US and Canada, it’s legally required to use your headlights when driving with reduced visibility. Should your car’s windows fog up due to the rain, turn on your defroster or AC to clear them. [13] X Research source

Hydroplaning while in cruise control will cause your car to go faster than if you were driving the car manually. [16] X Research source

Driving below the speed limit will also give you more time to react if another car on the road swerves, skids, or even crashes. In the US, you can be ticketed for driving at the speed limit during heavy weather conditions.

This is especially important if there are strong winds, as cars can be blown around and certain vehicles (e. g. trucks) can be easily knocked over. [19] X Research source

Do not drive into water if you can see that a power line has fallen into it, as water conducts electricity extremely easily. [22] X Research source Avoid driving into moving water. Your car can be swept away. [23] X Research source

Try to find a relatively populated place to pull over—don’t stay on the side of the highway or in the middle of nowhere unless there isn’t another choice. Pull over under a sturdy location if possible. However, do not stay under a bridge or overpass. These can collapse during or after severe weather. [24] X Research source

Electrically-conductive surfaces include door handles, window handles, gear shifts, the car radio, and even the steering wheel. [27] X Research source Do not lean against the door of your car.

If there are no suitable buildings nearby, pull over (but do not park under a bridge or overhang) and keep your seatbelt on. Duck your head underneath the windows, and use your hands (and preferably a cushion or blanket) to cover your head. [29] X Research source

Don’t park under trees or power lines (as the hail may knock them down) or in ditches (as water may fill the ditch). [32] X Research source

If the power line lands on your car, do not attempt to exit your car unless the car is on fire. Avoid touching the interior of the car (and instruct all passengers to do the same), and use a cell phone to call emergency services.

Be aware that water can end up entering your car’s engine, fuel line, or exhaust pipe, especially if it’s deep. It’s possible your car may stop working. In this case, find a safe moment to exit the car and seek higher ground (even if it’s just climbing onto your car roof if safe). However, if it isn’t possible to escape through a door or window, call emergency services or yell to someone nearby for help. [35] X Research source To avoid this situation when driving, do not drive through water that’s more than 9. 8 inches (25 cm) deep, try to avoid roads that you know have dips, and drive slowly when driving into water, as water can conceal dips in the road. [36] X Research source

Keep in mind that if you get stuck, you may have to dig your car out, which is not something you want to be doing in a thunderstorm.

If you see someone who has crashed, pull over a safe distance away from the accident and call emergency services. However, only get out of your car to help the people involved if doing so won’t endanger anyone. Stay near the scene and encourage the driver to turn off their car if the crash is minor, to reduce a risk of fire. [37] X Research source

Whether or not car insurance covers the damage to your car depends on your insurance company and what insurance packages you have. Be extremely careful if glass has shattered in your car to avoid injuring yourself, and make sure other passengers don’t touch it.