As the clouds gather and the skies darken, drivers are faced with a formidable challenge: navigating the treacherous conditions brought on by inclement weather. From torrential downpours to fierce winds and lightning strikes, storms present a multitude of hazards that can turn even the most routine drive into a perilous journey. In this article, we explore the dangers of driving in storms, offering essential tips and insights to help motorists weather the tempest safely.
Hydroplaning: When Roads Become Rivers
One of the most immediate dangers of driving in storms is the risk of hydroplaning. When rainwater accumulates on road surfaces faster than it can be dispersed, vehicles can lose traction and skid uncontrollably. Hydroplaning can occur even at relatively low speeds, posing a significant threat to drivers and passengers alike. To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial to reduce speed, avoid sudden maneuvers, and ensure that tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth.
Six-Inch Rule: The Deceptive Nature of Floodwaters
One of the most treacherous aspects of flooded roadways is their deceptive appearance. What may seem like a harmless puddle can conceal a multitude of hazards beneath its surface. Submerged potholes, road debris, and even submerged vehicles can lurk beneath the water’s surface, posing serious threats to unsuspecting drivers. Floodwaters can erode road surfaces, leading to sudden collapses or sinkholes. It only takes six inches of swiftly moving water to cause havoc, and with each additional inch, the risks escalate, with the potential for vehicles to be swept away.
Downed Power Lines: Electrifying Hazards
During severe storms, high winds and heavy rainfall can cause trees to topple and power lines to come crashing down onto roadways. These downed power lines pose a serious electrocution hazard to anyone in their vicinity. If you encounter a fallen power line while driving, stay inside your vehicle, avoid touching any metal surfaces, and call emergency services immediately. Never attempt to drive over or around downed power lines, as they may still be live and capable of delivering a lethal shock.
Strong Winds: The Force of Nature
Gusty winds accompanying storms can exert significant force on vehicles, making steering difficult and increasing the risk of loss of control. High-profile vehicles such as trucks, buses, and RVs are particularly susceptible to being buffeted by strong winds. Drivers should maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel, reduce speed, and be prepared to adjust their driving behavior to compensate for gusty conditions. Be cautious of flying debris such as branches and other objects that can become airborne in high winds.
Reduced Visibility: Driving Blind
Heavy rain, fog, and blowing debris can severely impair visibility during storms, making it difficult to see other vehicles, road signs, and obstacles. Reduced visibility increases the likelihood of accidents, such as rear-end collisions and sideswipes. To combat this hazard, drivers should use headlights, fog lights, and windshield wipers as necessary to maximize visibility. Additionally, maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles and avoid sudden stops or lane changes.
Lightning Strikes: A Bolt from the Blue
While the likelihood of being struck by lightning while driving is relatively low, it remains a potential hazard during thunderstorms. Lightning can cause temporary blindness, hearing loss, and electrical surges that disable vehicle electronics. To minimize the risk of being struck by lightning, avoid open areas, tall objects, and bodies of water during storms. If you’re caught driving in a thunderstorm, stay inside your vehicle with the windows rolled up until the storm passes.
Weathering the Storm Safely
Driving in storms presents a multitude of dangers that demand vigilance, caution, and preparedness from motorists. From hydroplaning and downed power lines to strong winds and reduced visibility, the hazards of stormy weather require drivers to exercise heightened awareness and adapt their driving behavior accordingly. By staying informed, practicing defensive driving techniques, and knowing when to pull over and seek shelter, drivers can navigate the tempest safely and emerge unscathed on the other side. After all, when it comes to driving in storms, the key to survival is to weather the storm wisely.
Patrick M. is Editorial Director for the always expanding DriveSafe Online library of courses. With over two decades of experience developing award-winning training, he now focuses on innovating online driver safety training. Pulling from his background in journalism, he steers the wheel behind the creation of top-tier content that promotes a better journey—whether on the digital highway of learning or the real roads we travel every day.