5 Essential Safety Tips for Tornado Season Driving
Tornado season driving in Kansas and Missouri can be scary and risky. The chaotic elements of intense weather, combined with high-speed storms and ever-changing conditions, can leave drivers vulnerable to serious harm or even death. Whether driving to work or going on a road trip, it’s important to be prepared and aware. That’s why the Kansas car accident lawyers at Patterson Legal Group are here with five key tornado season driving safety tips for you.
5 Safety Tips You Need to Know
Here are the five safety tips you should know and put into practice to the best of your ability as we head into this year’s tornado season.
1. Be Informed and Keep an Eye on Weather Warnings
The most important step to keep safe when it comes to tornado season driving is to be informed. Tornadoes develop quickly, often with little warning, so it’s imperative to stay current with the weather, especially if a severe storm is forecasted.
Always have a reliable source of weather warnings nearby. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio is an excellent gadget for real-time warnings and alerts. Weather apps on your phone can also give you push notifications about tornado watches and warnings. Local news networks and weather channels are also good sources of weather information.
Watch out for tornado watches (when weather conditions are conducive to tornadoes) and tornado warnings (when a tornado has been seen or indicated by radar). In either case, it’s best to avoid traveling if possible.
2. Avoid Driving Under Bad Weather Conditions if Possible
If you’re driving when a tornado warning is reported, it’s best to leave the road and pull over to a safe location. Tornado season driving safety means not venturing out during adverse weather conditions. If you’re planning to go somewhere and find out that a severe storm or tornado is forecasted, try to postpone or rearrange your travel plans.
Remember, though, that tornadoes change direction quickly and attempting to outrun a tornado is never a good idea. When you’re experiencing violent weather and have to make a decision, it’s much preferable to just hunker down and wait for the storm to pass than to try to outrun a tornado.
3. Understand What to Do If You’re in the Direct Path of a Tornado
If you’re in the direct path of a tornado while driving, don’t panic. While it’s always best to avoid these situations, having an idea of what to do can significantly increase your chances of making it out.
Here’s what to do if you’re driving and a tornado strikes:
- Seek nearby shelter immediately in a sturdy building if possible. If there’s a gas station or store near you, take shelter there.
- If there are no structures around, take a detour and stop in a safe location, away from bridges, overpasses, and trees. Certain structures can magnify winds and also present other risks.
- Get out of your vehicle if you’re traveling by car. If you can’t make it to a building, go to a low point like a ditch, and lie flat on the ground. Cover your head with your hands. This will help protect you from objects that are flying through the air.
- Don’t seek shelter under bridges or overpasses since they’re prone to creating the wind tunnel effect, which will increase the winds of the tornado, providing you with little or no protection.
4. Observe Your Surroundings
When driving during tornado season, be on the lookout and aware of your surroundings. The weather can shift in a matter of seconds, and it’s important that you’re aware of the warning signs of an approaching tornado. These warning signs are:
- Darkening clouds or a greenish hue, a possible indication of a severe storm.
- Hail or heavy rain, usually preceding or concurrent with tornado activity.
- Strong, gusty winds or a rotating cloud base in the sky, possibly preceding a tornado.
Also, watch out for hazardous road conditions like downed power lines, trees, or any debris that might be in your path. When you’re dealing with low visibility due to stormy conditions, pull onto the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights, and stay there until the weather passes.
5. Have an Emergency Plan and Kit
Tornadoes can hit at any time, and if you find yourself driving when a tornado strikes, you have to be ready. Having an emergency plan in place will allow you to respond fast when needed.
Start by making sure that you carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. This kit should include necessities such as:
- A first-aid kit in case of minor injuries.
- A flashlight with spare batteries in the event of power outage.
- A battery radio to stay informed about weather updates in the event of a loss of electricity.
- Water and non-perishable food in order to remain hydrated and nourished.
- Blankets to keep warm, especially if you’re trapped for an extended period.
- Extra chargers for your cell phone or other electronic gadgets.
- An umbrella and rain poncho or extra large clear trash bag that can be converted to rainwear.
It’s also a good idea to mentally map out where you would go if you were caught in a tornado. Know where nearby shelters are, whether those are public buildings or even a neighbor’s home.
Patterson Legal Group: Your Resource for Tornado Season Driving Safety
Here at Patterson Legal Group, we’re happy to provide the information you need for tornado season driving safety. We’re also here for you if you’ve been hurt in an accident through no fault of your own. Our dedicated team of trial lawyers has a proven track record of success in securing settlements for those hurt in car accidents in Kansas, as well as in Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado. We will fight for you every step of the way.
Get started today with a free consultation by calling us at 888-687-2400 or going online through our secure contact form. You can also connect with our LiveChat representatives. We work under a “No Win, No Fee” promise, so you won’t pay anything unless we win. Reach out today and take the first step towards the money you deserve.
