Driving in thunderstorms can be a dangerous and even life-threatening task. Thunderstorms are one of the most dangerous weather events that drivers can experience, with lightning strikes, high winds, and flash floods or damaging hail being just a few of the potential hazards. In this blog, we’ll explore the risks of driving in thunderstorms and offer tips on how to stay safe.

Dangers of Driving in Thunderstorms

One of the biggest dangers of driving in thunderstorms is the risk of being struck by lightning. Lightning strikes are more common than many people realize, and they can cause serious injury or death. In fact, lightning strikes are responsible for an average of 20 deaths and 300 injuries in the United States each year.

In addition to the risk of lightning strikes, thunderstorms can also produce high winds that can make driving difficult. High winds can cause vehicles to swerve or even flip over, particularly if the wind gusts are strong enough. This can be especially dangerous for drivers of high-profile vehicles such as SUVs or vans, which are more susceptible to wind gusts.

Another potential hazard of driving in thunderstorms is flash flooding. Heavy rain can quickly cause roads to become flooded, which can make driving extremely dangerous. In fact, flash floods are responsible for more deaths each year than any other thunderstorm-related hazard.

Stay safe when driving in storms

To stay safe when driving in thunderstorms, it’s important to take a few simple precautions. First and foremost, if you can avoid driving during a thunderstorm, do so. If you must drive, be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave and plan your route accordingly. If possible, try to avoid low-lying areas or areas that are prone to flooding.

When driving in a thunderstorm, be sure to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. This will give you more time to react to any hazards that may arise. It’s also a good idea to turn on your headlights and use your windshield wipers to improve visibility.

If you do encounter flash flooding, do not attempt to drive through it. Even a small amount of water can be enough to sweep your vehicle off the road. Instead, turn around and find an alternate route, or wait for the water to recede before continuing on your way.

If you encounter hail, remember the road can turn in to an icy surface very quickly. Slow down appropriately and be prepared for the size fo the hail to become damaging. Ultimately hail can break windshields and damage the exterior of cars. Better to wait on the side of the road for the storm to pass than drive with a cracked windshield or roll your car in to the ditch.

In addition to these precautions, it’s also important to stay calm and focused when driving in thunderstorms. Panic and distraction can lead to poor decision-making and increase the risk of an accident. If you feel yourself becoming anxious or distracted, take a few deep breaths and focus on the task at hand.

Finally, it’s important to remember that thunderstorms can be unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, don’t be afraid to pull over and wait out the storm. Your safety and the safety of those around you should always be your top priority.

In conclusion, driving in thunderstorms can be a dangerous and even life-threatening task. Lightning strikes, high winds, and flash floods are just a few of the potential hazards that drivers may encounter. By taking a few simple precautions, however, you can minimize your risk and stay safe when driving in thunderstorms. Remember to check the weather forecast before you leave, reduce your speed and increase your following distance, and stay calm and focused at all times. And if you ever feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to pull over and wait out the storm. Stay safe out there!