When tropical storms or hurricanes loom in the Gulf of Mexico, roadways across coastal Texas become congested and more dangerous than ever. With potential for high winds, heavy rain, flooding, and tornadoes, residents are urged to stock up on supplies, refuel their vehicles, fortify their properties, or evacuate. Add to these actions rapidly changing weather conditions, and the risk of being involved in an auto accident increase significantly.
To help Texans navigate hurricane season with safety and ease, here are 3 Tips for Driving During Hurricane Season that could protect you and your loved ones.
3 Tips for Driving During Hurricane Season
1. Be Prepared
If you live in a hurricane- or flooding-prone area, be prepared in advance for hurricane season. Make sure your insurance policies are adequate and active, place important documents in a water-tight container and keep them with you, plan an evacuation route, and prepare an emergency safety kit. Some items you want in your emergency kit include:
- Flashlight
- First Aid Kit
- Snacks and Water
- Cash and Credit Cards
- Extra Batteries
- Extra Cell Phone and Charger
- Blankets
- Extra Clothing
2. Prepare Your Vehicle
While you and your family may have prepared your home and emergency kit, don’t forget to prepare your vehicle as well. Depending on your plans, you may end up spending a hours, or even overnight, in your vehicle. The following tips can ensure safety:
- Make sure your tires are in good shape (adequate tread) and are properly inflated.
- Have your brakes and brake pads checked. If there is less than 3mm of material left, have them replaced.
- Check your cooling and heating systems. Your cooling system may need to be charged, and filters may need to be replaced.
- Replace your windshield wipers and fill up your wiper fluid.
- Check that all bulbs on your vehicle (head and tail lights, blinkers, hazards) are working properly.
- Fill your fuel tank up and keep a spare fuel can in your vehicle.
3. Drive Safely
Whether you are driving around town or waiting in line to evacuate, there are some very important driving tips you need to remember in order to keep you, your passengers, and others safe on the road. Consider the following safety tips:
- When there is water or debris on the road, always obey speed limits, traffic signals, and be aware of other drivers.
- Never drive over downed power lines or exit your vehicle near downed power lines.
- If the road ahead of you is flooded and you cannot see the roadway, do not continue – Turn Around! Floodwaters rise rapidly and could quickly disable your vehicle. There is also a risk of downed electrical lines or debris under the water, or even the possibility that the roadway has washed out completely.
- Never go around road closure signs or barricades. These are placed for a reason.
- If you get trapped in rising water, abandon it for higher ground.
Remember, you may not be able to control the actions and behavior of other drivers, but you can take steps to prepare yourself and protect yourself and your loved ones.
Are You Injured from an Accident During Hurricane Season?
If you have questions about automobile insurance claims or auto accident claims, contact Daic Law today for a free case review. Contact us by calling 877-893-6040, or email us at info@daiclaw.com. Daic Law helps victims of auto accidents, business disputes, and debt defense claims.