How to Drive in a Thunderstorm
September 6th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
Driving in a thunderstorm can be challenging, regardless of your experience behind the wheel. If you understand the dangers associated with driving in thunder and lightning, however, you’ll know what to do any time these problems arise when you’re driving.
Is It Safe to Drive in a Thunderstorm?
You should drive in a thunderstorm only if it is absolutely necessary to do so.
A thunderstorm is usually accompanied by heavy rain, severe wind, and other harsh weather conditions. As such, driving on roads during a thunderstorm can be hazardous for both you and other motorists.
Thunderstorm Driving Safety Tips
If you must drive through a thunderstorm, there are several things you can do to stay safe while you’re on the road. These include:
1. Avoid Flooded Roadways
Stay away from flooded roadways. Remember, it can be difficult to determine the depth of water on a flooded roadway. If you drive your car over a waterbed and the waterbed is too deep, your vehicle could get stuck in the water or be carried away by it.
2. Maintain Extra Space Between Your Car and Other Vehicles
Do not tailgate. Instead, create ample space between your car and all other vehicles around you.
3. Keep Your Car’s Doors and Windows Shut
Ensure that your car’s doors and windows are closed and locked. This can help you avoid distractions and stay focused on the road.
4. Activate Your Car’s Lights
Turn on your car’s lights, so you can see the road and other drivers can see your vehicle.
5. Drive Slowly
Proceed slowly and cautiously on roads. The posted speed limits apply to normal operating conditions, so you should drive at speeds below them when you’re traveling in a thunderstorm.
In the event that thunder and other hazardous weather conditions become too much to handle, pull off to a safe spot on the side of the road and wait for the weather to improve. A typical thunderstorm only lasts about 30 minutes, and once it clears up, you can safely return to the road and resume your trip.
Is It Safe to Drive in Lightning?
You should avoid driving in lightning. If you are driving and lightning begins to strike, pull off to a safe spot on the side of the road, turn off your car’s engine and lights, and wait for the storm to pass. During a lightning storm, you should not touch any metal components in your car until the storm passes as well.
Lightning is attracted to metal, which is used in the production of many cars. Thus, if your car is constructed from metal, lightning could strike your vehicle and put you and other motorists in danger. Additionally, if you are in a convertible, lightning can strike you directly while you’re driving.
What to Do If Your Car Is Struck by Lightning
Lightning can damage different areas of a car, including:
- Tires
- Windshield
- Antenna
- Electrical components
Lightning can also render a car inoperable. Therefore, if your car is struck by lightning, you should bring it to a certified auto body shop. At this point, certified auto technicians can evaluate your car and perform any necessary repairs to get your car running again.
Enjoy Quality Car Body Repairs from Fix Auto South Anchorage
If your car has been damaged by lightning or other severe weather conditions, the team at Fix Auto South Anchorage can help. We provide extensive car body repair services performed by courteous, knowledgeable certified auto technicians. To learn more or to set up a service appointment, please contact us online or call us today at (907) 646-5840.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto South Anchorage, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing the Anchorage area and surrounding communities.
