HAZARDOUS SPRING WEATHER PART II
DRIVING IN A HAILSTORM
Our previous blog focused on the hazards of driving in the rain on North Texas roads. Something that we face fairly often in the spring here, and that has already hit parts of our area twice this spring, is hailstorms.
All the tips that were covered on how to drive in a rainstorm still apply here. To review: make sure you are driving on good, quality, properly inflated tires; slow down; keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you; know how to brake properly in a skid; and be aware of the possibility of flooding on some streets. But what additional precautions should you take when dealing with hail?
- First, immediately turn on your low beams, decrease your speed (this is vital in all hazardous conditions), and be aware of other drivers on the road who may not know how to drive in a hailstorm.
- When keeping a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, think 3-times the usual expanse from the back bumper.
- If you can get off the road and out of the storm safely, do so. Look for an overpass, a parking garage, or a gas station with an awning. If you can’t find a covering for your car, it is still better to get off the road. The impact of hail is greater on a moving vehicle than on a stationary vehicle. This is another reason it is important to SLOW DOWN.
- If you do pull off to the side of the road, make sure you are completely out of the line of traffic. Angle your car so hail hits the windshield and not the side or back windows, as windshield glass is reinforced.
- Stay inside your car! Hail hitting you directly can cause serious injuries. If possible, turn your face away from the windshield, lie down, and/or cover your face and head with anything that might protect you from flying glass.
And remember, if you are injured in an accident, come to the nearest Accident and Injury Chiropractic as soon as possible. At Accident and Injury, all we treat is car accident victims, so we really know what we’re doing.
