Hurricane season is upon us, and while it is wise to stay at home, sometimes emergencies happen where you need to get out on the road.
Follow these tips to drive safely during and after a hurricane.
Be Prepared
Before anything, make sure you are prepared for the hurricane.
Make sure your gas tank is filled before the hurricane is slated to hit and create an emergency kit for your vehicle. Keep in touch with friends and family and create a rally-point if anyone gets separated.
Be Aware of your Surroundings
If you find yourself on the road during the hurricane, it’s essential that you stay calm and remain aware of your surroundings.
High winds are dangerous and pose a threat to larger vehicles as the wind affects them more.
Make sure your lights are on to make you visible to other vehicles that may also be on the road. Some states do not permit driving with your hazard lights on, Texas doesn’t fall in this category, but be aware of this regardless.
Do Not Cross Flood Areas
The Texas Department of Public Safety urges everyone to NOT drive through flooded areas.
- 6 inches of water causes tires to lose traction
- 12 inches of water can carry away a vehicle
Floodwater can also hide important parts of the roadway, including bridges, depth, and road debris.
Floodwater also weakens the roadway. If your vehicle is traveling over a roadway that floodwaters have receded, be cautious while traveling.
Be Safe!
The safest thing you must do during a hurricane is to stay indoors and away from danger.
Read some of our other hurricane preparedness articles to stay safe this season:
