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Escaping the storm: Best practices for driving in Florida's dangerous weather conditions

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You see it on the news every time there’s a tropical storm or hurricane: People who stay behind in the storm are almost always those who don’t have another option. Driving during storms can be tricky, especially if you’re not used to them.

Luckily, you can take some simple steps before hitting the road during a storm so that you don’t have to choose between your safety and missing an important meeting or event. You will also reduce your risk of being caught in a dangerous situation and help yourself avoid putting yourself or anyone else in danger. 

Recent Tampa accident statistics show that there were over 400,000 car accidents in Florida in 2021. The chance of a car accident increases dramatically in inclement weather. Staying off the roads is always the best course of action. But, if you are forced to drive in a storm, keep these tips in mind.

1. Know your road options

The best way to prepare for driving during a storm is to know what roads (and bridges) will be closed and which ones will be open. This is especially important if you are traveling outside the city or county you live in.

Know your roads before you get behind the wheel, and don’t make assumptions about what conditions they will be like when you return home. If you live in a community with many bridges, learn which are closed and which are open. If there is a hurricane warning on the news, check online to see if roadways, businesses or schools are closed. No need to head out if your destination is closed for the storm. Determine whether a storm is upgraded to a tropical storm warning or hurricane watch.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has a website that updates road conditions throughout the state, including bridge closures. This website also contains other weather-related events that may affect your travel plans, such as information regarding downed trees or power lines, too. 

2. Know your route

You may not be able to avoid all road closures, but you can avoid missing them. If you need to travel on a road that is closed or has restricted access, take an alternate route that doesn’t involve driving through the area. For example, if a bridge is closed for repairs, drive around it and go another way to get home.

If you are on a long drive and are worried about how bad the storm will be when you get there, check your gas gauge before leaving home. Since fuel stations tend to close or run out of gas in severe weather conditions, make sure you have enough fuel in your car so that you don’t have to stop along the way.

3. Prepare your vehicle

Don’t drive if your car is damaged or if it is not in good shape to handle driving in bad weather conditions. If you have to drive during a storm, make sure your car has sufficient gas to make it home safely. Ensure your window wipers are in working order.

You should also ensure that your tires are properly inflated – this will ensure that your vehicle can handle any weather condition and protect your vehicle from accidents, as well as help prevent flat tires while driving in bad weather conditions. This can include “summer tires” that can grip the road in wet conditions to help prevent slipping and sliding on the road.

It’s also important not to speed while driving – this could lead to more frequent stops due to accidents or flat tires while driving in bad weather conditions; both of which can put you at risk of being caught in a dangerous situation while traveling during severe storms due to the lack of visibility on the road while traveling at high speeds.

Lastly, don’t go out if there’s flooding and you drive a low vehicle. Taking on too much water can stop your vehicle from running. In really bad cases, high water can pick your vehicle up and take it away with the current.

4. Knowing the condition of the roadways

When you drive during a storm, you will be driving on roads that may already be damaged. When driving, pay attention to road conditions and watch for debris or potholes. If you encounter any of these hazards, pull over and stop immediately to avoid accidents.

Check with the local authorities before driving on blocked roads, and even if they are clear, don’t drive through standing water or puddles of water. Potholes are a common problem in the winter and spring. If you find yourself on rough or flooded road alongside other motorists, make sure you allow them plenty of space. 

5. Knowing what to carry

It would help if you had extra supplies in your car. A first aid kit, water, and snacks are recommended if you have a long drive ahead of you. You should also carry a shovel and flares in case of an emergency.

A spare tire, jack, and tire wrench are essential items to have, too. The tire pressure should be checked before the beginning of the journey. Of course, an umbrella, poncho, and rain boots can come in handy if you need to exit the vehicle during a storm for any reason.

6. Planning ahead

Planning your trip is also very important. It is recommended to plan your trip according to the distance and fuel costs. You should also plan for rest stops if you are going on a long journey or driving at night.

Planning helps you know how to evade the storm and get to your destination. It also helps you know how to deal with the weather and what to do in an emergency.

7. Knowing when to travel

The time of the day you choose to travel is also very important. You should avoid traveling during rainy seasons or stormy seasons. You should also avoid traveling during the night. Night driving is very dangerous because visibility problems make it difficult to see the road.

8. Be focused

Being focused is essential when you are driving. You should avoid distractions like talking to your friends, eating food, and listening to music. You should also avoid driving while tired or sleepy. Be aware of the other vehicles on the road and look out for things such as falling branches/trees, flying debris, and car accidents. 

Follow local safety guidelines

Unless otherwise instructed, you should stay put when there is a storm on the horizon. Keeping yourself up to date on weather conditions and storm paths is your best option, but you may not always have that luxury. But by having your car ready with some supplies, you can avoid major damage when you’re driving during a tropical storm, hurricane, or tornado warning. 

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