Summary of safe driving tips in thunderstorms

I. Take preparation steps

1. Anticipate possible weather conditions

Make sure you understand the types of weather you may encounter while driving in a storm. These typically include: moderate to heavy rain, thunder, high winds, tornadoes, hail, flooded roads, muddy roads, or road closures.

2. Absolutely do not use vehicles without roofs and hard windows.

A rainstorm is not the time to drive a convertible or convertible. The roofs of these vehicles do not protect you from hail or debris. Worse, they do not protect you from lightning.

3. Check the vehicle before driving

When driving in stormy weather, you want your car to operate properly. To achieve that, your car must be in the best condition. Therefore, you need to check the parts on the car before entering dangerous weather. Important parts to check are: oil and antifreeze, wipers, brakes, front/rear lights, tires...

4. Fill the gas tank

You don't want to be caught in the middle of a storm with an empty tank of gas. If you notice your car is low on gas as you prepare to drive, fill up the tank as soon as possible.

5. Let others know where you want to go

This is something you need to do if you are going to a place with bad weather. If you are not back after a certain amount of time, this person will contact you or send rescue in your direction in case you are in danger.

6. Bring spare supplies

Rainstorms can cause dangerous situations such as flooding or mudslides that can get your car stuck. If you cannot escape from your car, having the following items in your car will be very helpful. Emergency items you should have with you include: water, snacks, first aid kit, flashlight, radio, extra batteries, blankets, extra clothes, toilet paper, phone charger.

II. Safe driving

1. Wear a seat belt

In most countries around the world, wearing a seat belt is compulsory, and this is especially important when driving in extreme conditions. Wearing a seat belt reduces the chance of passengers being thrown from the vehicle in the event of a skid or crash.

2. Be alert

Stay alert even if you know the road like the back of your hand. Stormy weather can cause road conditions to change suddenly. Be ready to make sudden turns or take shortcuts at any time.

3. Turn on the weather channel on the radio

Tune your radio to a weather station in the area you are visiting.

4. Turn on the headlights and wipers

Obviously, heavy rain will limit your visibility, so wipers are a must. Headlights will also improve your visibility in the rain. Switch your lights to high beam and adjust the wiper speed according to the situation.

5. Do not use Cruise Control

Thunderstorms are not the ideal time to use cruise control. Since you have less control of your car when it is in cruise control, you will not be able to react in an emergency. Turning it off will make you more alert, which is extremely important when driving in a storm.

6. Moving below maximum speed

During a storm, rain makes roads more slippery. Also, if you drive too fast, your car can easily lose traction because rainwater seeps into the tire grooves. Driving at low speeds will help to limit this situation.

7. Keep your distance from other vehicles

Driving slowly is not an excuse to tailgate too closely, especially on slippery roads. During thunderstorms, it is important to increase the safe following distance between other vehicles because it takes longer for them to come to a complete stop.

8. Do not drive into flooded areas.

Even 15 cm of water can damage or kill your engine. 30 cm of water will cause your car to drift. Drive slowly in shallow water to avoid losing control and if the road is too flooded, find another route.

9. Pull over if you can't see anything.

If the rain is so heavy that you cannot see, find a suitable place to stop and wait for the rain to stop. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.

10. Do not touch electrostatic surfaces

When driving in thunderstorms, metal surfaces in your car can be dangerous and can shock you. If the thunder is very strong, pull over, turn on your hazard lights, put your hands on your knees, and wait for the storm to pass. Dangerous surfaces include door handles, gearshift knobs, radios, or steering wheels. Never lean against a car door.

11. Stay alert even after the storm has passed

Even if the weather clears, the road ahead is still dangerous and unsuitable due to rocks, puddles, and flooding. Continue to move slowly and find another route as if you were in a storm.