What You Need to Know About Driving in Severe Weather

What Truckers Need to Know About Driving in Severe Weather

The most important thing you can do during this time of year is to stay up to date on weather conditions in the areas you will be driving through. Watch the weather channel, listen to local stations, or check the weather conditions on your phone along your route. Being informed of severe weather will help you plan the safest route possible.

Avoid Severe Weather When Possible

Plan your route accordingly and avoid potentially dangerous weather when at all possible. If your destination is in the path of the storm, you should consider leaving early or waiting out the storm. However, this is not always possible, but avoiding hazardous conditions altogether is still the best solution during storms and possible tornadoes.

Overpass Death Trap

The myth of hiding under an overpass is not only a lie, but it could cost you dearly. Never hide out a storm under an overpass. Truckers used to believe that this was one of the best places to wait out a storm. During a severe thunderstorm or tornado, an overpass can become a wind tunnel creating powerful winds.

Staying in The Truck vs. Getting Out

There is much debate on whether to remain in your cab or to get low to the ground in a ditch or valley. This decision wholly depends on the individual situation. Sometimes it will be safer to leave your cab while others will call for you to remain in your truck for shelter.

However, seeking shelter in a building is always a better option than hiding in a ditch or remaining in your cab.

Staying in The Truck

Inside your truck, you are protected from flying debris, lightning, and hail. If you remain in your cab keep your seatbelt fastened. If the wind is too severe, your vehicle may overturn. If there is loose debris or a possibility, crouch below the windshield to protect yourself.

Ditch The Truck

Literally! Get out fast and get in a ditch to get below the wind and out of the path of debris. If the wind is strong enough to overturn your vehicle, you will be thankful not to be inside. However, you need to be far enough away from your truck so if it does overturn you won’t end up underneath it.