November 08, 2018
It is better to avoid driving in a hailstorm by delaying your trip to work or school for a few minutes, but if you are driving when one of these violent storms begins, it can be a frightening experience. Here are some tips for coping when this situation occurs.
Tip 1: Remain Calm
First, don’t panic despite what other drivers are doing on the road. If it is getting dark, then you can turn on your headlights while also turning on your windshield wipers. However, it is important to remember that large hailstones can damage your windshield wipers permanently. When you are driving on a major highway, it is important to use extreme caution because stopping along the side of the road is dangerous. In some cases, this might be your only choice if the roadway becomes slick from the icy hailstones.
Tip 2: Pulling to the Side of the Road
If you can find a rest stop or parking lot, then use caution while entering it to park your vehicle for a few minutes until the hailstorm ends. When you park your car, make sure that you are in a safe location before turning off the engine, headlights and other items so that your battery isn’t depleted. Avoid parking your vehicle underneath any trees that can fall from the damaging high winds and hailstones.
Tip 3: Do Not Leave the Vehicle
Experts believe that it is safer to remain in your vehicle during a hailstorm because the force of a falling hailstone is dangerous. Hailstones are often sharp pieces of ice rather than being smooth round balls, and one of these items can hit you hard enough to cut your skin. The noise that occurs in a vehicle during a hailstorm is scary, but it is still safer than leaving the vehicle.
Tip 4: Cover Your Body with a Blanket or a Coat
If you have a blanket or a coat, you and your passengers should cover your face and body as much as possible. While the windshield of a vehicle will rarely break, if it does, then the glass and debris are dangerous. With protection from a blanket or a coat, you are less likely to incur any injuries.
Tip 5: Move to the Back Seat or the Floor of the Vehicle
Moving to the back seat or the floor of the vehicle can also help to prevent any injuries from any breaking glass. If you are in a van, then you can move to the luggage compartment of the vehicle instead. It is still a good idea to cover your body with a tarp or blanket for additional protection.
Tip 6: Avoid Facing the Windows
Having your back to all of the windows in a vehicle during a hailstorm is the best approach, but this is often impossible. If you have nothing to protect your face, then cover it with your hands while the hailstones are hitting your windshield or other windows.
Tip 7: Be Aware of Dangers After the Storm Has Passed
After the storm ends, use caution while exiting your vehicle because there are often downed power lines, slick roadways or additional lightning strikes that can cause an injury or death. If you are having any problems with your vehicle or can’t drive on the road due to damaged electrical wires, then contact the local police department for assistance. Contact our dealership for additional safety information.
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