Surviving a storm while stuck in your car

Blinding rain, hail, and other storm hazards can change your driving conditions fast. Here’s how to stay safe when the roadway takes a turn for the worse.

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 frightening conditions.

Here’s how to 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 car’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 Car During Thunder and Lightning

If you pull off the road during a lightning storm, stay in your car unless you can very quickly get inside a structure. It’s much safer to be in your metal-topped car than to go outside. If lightning hits your car, the electrical current will travel through the metal cage of your vehicle and into the ground.

However, lightning can still move through your car’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.

Stuck in your car during a serious storm? You can stay safe in blinding rain, hail, and lightning. Get the info here.

Don’t Drive Into a Flash Flood

Flash floods happen quickly, but their damage is long-lasting. If you know your area is under a flash flood warning, the best thing to do is get off the road immediately and stay inside until you know it’s OK to be outside again.

However, if you can’t get inside right away and the road ahead is covered in standing water, turn around. Do not try to drive through the water even if it looks like you can. Just one to two feet of water can float most cars – even SUVs and large trucks.

If you do become trapped in a car that’s overrun by flood or fast-moving waters, don’t panic. The car will likely stall and move with the waters, so you need to get out fast so you don’t get swept away or sink with the car. Follow these steps as calmly as you can to get out safely:

First, unbuckle your seatbelt and instruct any children in the car to do the same.

Roll a window down. If you can’t engage the windows, use an emergency escape tool, umbrella or any sharp object to break the glass. Swim out and get to safety as quickly as possible.

Pro Tip: An easily-accessible car emergency kit can make all the difference during a serious storm. Make sure yours is in your car at all times.

Restoring Your Car After Storm Damage

If your car has fallen victim to the wrath of a hailstorm, fear not, for there are steps you can take to restore it to its former glory. The first order of business is to assess the extent of the damage. Carefully inspect the body of the car for dents, scratches, and shattered glass. In some cases, the damage might be so extensive to certain parts of the car that they might be beyond repair. The windshield, for instance, could be cracked in so many places that you may not be left with an option other than Windshield Replacement to regain any semblance of safety and visibility for your car. Similarly, there’s extensive hailstorm damage may take off your side mirrors or even your fender in some cases, and most likely they cannot be simply glued back on, but need to be replaced.

Sometimes though, in cases of a lighter hailstorm, seeking out a reputable auto body repair shop that specializes in hail damage repair may become necessary. Getting your car repaired for hail damage has never been this easy with Hail Specialists or similar professionals near you. These skilled technicians will work their magic, employing techniques such as paintless dent repair to smooth out the dings without compromising the vehicle’s original paint job.

It’s important to keep in mind that restoring your car post-damage is not only essential for bringing back its initial aesthetic appearance but also crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of your vehicle. Hail damage, if left unattended, can lead to more severe issues down the road. By promptly addressing the damage and seeking the expertise of professionals offering auto repair services, you not only preserve the car’s aesthetics but also safeguard its structural integrity and functionality.

Meanwhile, it’s advisable to contact your insurance company. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover hail damage, and they can guide you through the claims process. While your car is being repaired, consider utilizing alternative transportation options, such as rentals or rideshares.

For total peace of mind, you should think about getting gadget insurance. With Car ‘N Stuff from Liberty Insurance, you get affordable car insurance and renters cover, with access to travel and gadget insurance.

In conclusion, when faced with adverse weather conditions such as blinding rain, hail, and thunderstorms while driving, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. By following these precautions and steps, you can ensure your safety and the well-being of your vehicle during challenging weather conditions.