Storm Safety 101: Important Tips To Follow

Does the weather get you down? When the rain begins to fall it becomes clear your day is taking a turn. The rain is either an inconvenience for drivers or a perfect reason to stay at home. Luckily, there are ways to stay safe if you do end up having to brave the storm. Read on to learn what storm safety tips will change the way you drive when a thunderstorm hits. 

Preparing for storm safety

The weather is constantly changing, especially if you live in South Florida. For that reason, drivers must stay up-to-date on weather conditions on a weekly basis. First tip: get weather updates on your phone. Not everyone has the time to sit down and watch the nightly weather report. 

Not to mention, the convenience of knowing what to prepare for will make you a better driver in return.

Storm safety tips 

Montrae Waiters, spokesperson for AAA, states, “While it isn’t advised, if you must get behind the wheel during a storm, it is very important to adjust your typical driving style.” These tips will help drivers be prepared during severe weather and keep other drivers safe on the road. 

1. Never drive on a road that is immersed in water. It is not worth the risk of seeing if your car will make it. Simply turn around and find an alternate route to get to your intended destination. 
2. Don’t use smart cruise control while driving in rain or hail. This is a big no-no for storm safety. For example, the wet ground will create less traction and create more opportunity for your vehicle to slide.
3. Reduce your speed. When weather conditions take a turn for the worse, it’s time to drive more slowly. 
4. Remain calm if your vehicle begins to skid. Do not slam on your brakes, just slowly guide your vehicle in the right direction until you gain control again. 
5. Allow ample distance between you and surrounding traffic. A storm is definitely not the time to tailgate just because you want the person in front of you to drive faster. 

#AAAStormSafety – Increase following distance. A greater cushion of safety between vehicles can prevent crashes. #drivecarefully

— AAA Mid-Atlantic (@AAAMidAtlantic) March 5, 2013

Vehicle maintenance is also crucial for storm safety

Here are two important maintenance tips to follow for keeping drivers safe during a storm: 

Replace windshield wipers

It is recommended that you swap out your old windshield wipers every 6 to 12 months. Excessive use and exposure to outdoor elements can cause these essential tools to become less effective. 

Replace or defog old headlights 

If you notice a cloudy film developing on your headlights then it’s about time to make a change. Replacing headlights is a quick and inexpensive fix for keeping you safe during a storm. There are even home remedies for defogging headlights that you can try. 

Some swear by the toothpaste trick. If you haven’t heard of it, check out this video on how to defog your headlights with your favorite oral care. 

Use extreme caution when driving

Storm safety is no joke. Even if you are an experienced driver, these storm safety tips will help keep drivers safe during foul weather. Follow the recommendations above, and remember to turn on your hazards and pull over if conditions are too severe. 

It’s always better to wait for the rain to ease up then risk the safety of you and those around you while driving in a storm. 

In addition to storm safety, discover the benefits of Rain-X for your car.