Ever Get Stuck In Your Vehicle During Terrible Weather?

Unexpected weather can catch you off guard when you're on the road. Even if you're an excellent driver, heavy downpours, hail, and lightning can create dangerous and  even frightening conditions.

How do you  stay safe when faced with rapidly changing weather conditions on the road?

Get Off the Road When Visibility is Bad

• If you drive into a downpour of rain or hail, you're likely to lose visibility. If this is the case, pull completely off the road to a safe spot. If you can quickly and safely drive to a nearby covered area, such as a highway overpass or gas station, go there.
• Don't park under any trees or other tall objects, like telephone poles, because they can be toppled by high winds.
• Once you've parked, turn off your vehicle's engine and turn on the emergency hazard lights. Engage the parking brake and make sure that all other lights are off. This keeps other drivers from confusing your tail lights and brake lights for those of other moving vehicles.
• If it's hailing, turn away from car windows and cover your eyes, ideally with a blanket, jacket, or other clothing to protect yourself from shattering glass. If you can, lie face down on the floor of the car with young children underneath you. Otherwise, lie face down on the seat, and turn your back to the windows.

Stay in the Vehicle During Thunder and Lightning

• If you pull off the road during a lightning storm, stay in your vehicle unless you can very quickly get inside a structure. It's much safer to be in your metal-topped vehicle than to go outside. If lightning hits your vehicle, the electrical current will travel through the metal cage of your vehicle and into the ground.
• However, lightning can still move through your vehicle's electrical system and any metal pieces, so don't touch any metal parts or the radio, or use a cell phone or any device connected to the car. Keep your hands in your lap until the lightning storm is over.

Car-Lotta wants you to stay safe!