Driving During a Hurricane? 4 Tips for Your Safety
By Space Coast Daily // October 31, 2024
Hurricane season kicks off in June. This year, the season began ominously—Category 5 Hurricane Beryl made an explosive start.
Scientists in the U.S. already gave a heads-up that this season could be extraordinary. Exceptionally warm Atlantic temperatures with a change in regional weather patterns are believed to ripen conditions for hurricane formation.
Seven weeks into the official season, there have been nine hurricanes—that is two more than the Atlantic would normally receive.
When it comes to hurricanes, most people hunker down. But sometimes, you just don’t have a choice—you might have to hit the road, whether it’s to evacuate, pick up a family member, or get to a safer shelter.
Driving during a hurricane is no piece of cake. It can be dangerous. To ensure your safety, we’ve shared a few tips here.
#1 Double-Check Weather Updates Before Heading Out
Hurricanes are notorious for sudden changes. Paths and intensities shift on a dime.
Do not head out without checking the weather forecast, including radar and any evacuation orders. The more you know about the hurricane’s path, strength, and timing, the better you can plan your drive.
Mass.gov, the official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, advises listening to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information on the hurricane. NOAA stands for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A local news station can also provide you with updates on current weather and road conditions.
Check if there are any evacuation orders, road closures, or areas at high risk for flooding. Do it often, even right before you leave. Hurricanes can slow down, speed up, or even change direction. You never know if the roads that seemed safe an hour ago might now be risky or closed.
These real-time updates can help you decide whether to delay by a few hours to avoid the worst part of the storm or reroute entirely.
#2 Turn on Your Headlights
Heavy rain and stormy conditions can cut visibility down to almost nothing. That makes it hard for other drivers to spot you, especially at a distance.
Public Entity Saba advises drivers to keep headlights on to improve visibility. Avoid using a high beam, though. That can reflect off the rain and make it harder for you and everyone else to see.
Don’t just rely on automatic headlights if your car has them. Turn them on manually to stay visible and avoid accidents.
Just this month, two cars collided in Wauchula, Florida, during Hurricane Milton. One escaped while the other overturned in a ditch with occupants trapped in it.
A Florida lineman came across them while restoring power after the hurricane wreaked havoc in the city. Hence, he rescued them after a life-threatening car accident—that is what made him a “hurricane hero.”
If you’re trapped in a similar situation due to a car accident in stormy weather, say in Florida, especially if negligence played a role, what would you do?
Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith notes that Florida law allows individuals involved in an automobile accident resulting in serious harm to file a claim against the at-fault driver.
For example, if another driver did not use proper lighting in low visibility, they could be held accountable. Filing a car accident lawsuit can help you cover medical expenses, car repairs, and even emotional trauma stemming from such a terrifying incident.
An attorney experienced in handling car accident cases can help you file the suit and get the compensation you deserve.
#3 Pull Over if Conditions Worsen
If the wind gets too intense or the rain becomes a sheet of water on your windshield, driving would be unsafe. Pull over and wait it out.
Look for a safe place away from trees and power lines, ideally in a parking lot or other open space. Waiting for just a few minutes can sometimes save you from an unfortunate incident. It’s better to arrive a bit late than risk your safety.
#4 Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Drivers often underestimate the power of rushing waters—you must not.
According to the NHTSA, it takes barely 12 inches of rushing water to sweep away most cars. Even trucks and SUVs are not safe. Just 2 feet of flowing water can carry them away, further elaborates the government agency.
Turn around when you see a flooded road. You really don’t know how deep it is. Even if the water doesn’t look deep, it can hide washed-out sections of the road or debris that could damage your car or trap you.
A North Carolina man, Richard Walton Robinson, driving through a flooded road this September is a case in point.
Robinson, driving on NC 211 in his blue Subaru Crosstrek, passed by stationary Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office vehicles and entered high water. Unfortunately, his vehicle got submerged. The rescue team arrived, but they couldn’t find the vehicle. Eventually, he died.
So, if you see water across the road, don’t take any risks. Find a safe place to turn around or wait it out.
Driving during a hurricane isn’t safe. But, sometimes, it’s unavoidable. Taking these steps can significantly improve your safety on the road. If the drive can wait, that would be even better. If it can’t, stay alert and cautious. Your safety is worth more than any trip, errand, or meeting.
