Everything You Need To Know About Illinois Driving Hazards
May 5th, 2017 by Eli P

Every state has its own weather and environment-related driving hazards. In Illinois, they come in the form of severe thunderstorms, pelting hail, and one other you may be surprised to learn about. The following safety tips can help you avoid auto collisions and in these situations.
Driving in a Thunderstorm
If you get caught in an Illinois thunderstorm, pull over to the shoulder of the road, stopping a safe distance from any trees or other tall objects. Stay in the car, turn on your emergency flashers, and wait for the heavy rains to stop or pass you by.
If lightning occurs, avoid contact with metal or other conducting surfaces inside your vehicle. You could get injured if lightning strikes your car, but it’s still safer to stay inside it. Avoid flooded roadways and don’t try to drive through dips and other low areas where water is collecting.
Driving in a Hailstorm
Hailstorms are fairly common in Illinois. They also cause damage that can require professional dent repair from an auto body shop, so try to find an overpass or some other type of overhead protection to park under. If not, pull off the road onto the shoulder and stay inside your car. Even small-size hail can cause injury if it strikes you. Large hail can cause severe injury.
When parking, angle your car to face the direction of the hail, as side and rear windows are easier to break than the front windshield. Keep your back to the windows, and cover yourself with a blanket to protect against debris if a window breaks.
Avoiding Deer in the Road
Surprisingly, wandering deer cause a lot of auto collisions on Illinois roads, especially in the months of October through December. To avoid hitting one:
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially when driving by woodlots, fencerows, and field edges
- At night, look for the shine of deer eyes in the middle of the road
- Slow down around curves in areas where deer are known to cross
- Slow down and be ready to stop if you see a deer along the side of the road
- If you encounter a deer in the road, tap your brakes or use the emergency flashers to alert other drivers
If you have a deer mishap bump or suffer auto body damage due to hail, drop by the nearest Illinois Fix Auto body shop for fast, professional repairs.
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