Driving in Severe Weather

Progressive's National Catastrophe Response Team offers the following safe-driving tips for severe weather:

Planning Ahead

Develop an in-car emergency kit. Include first-aid supplies, flares/reflectors, blanket, flashlight, portable radio & extra batteries
	
Keep vehicle in good shape. Check tires, brakes, headlights, flashers & wiper blades; be sure all mechanical systems in reliable condition

Monitor weather & traffic reports. If possible, postpone travel until conditions improve

High Winds

If possible, postpone travel until conditions improve

Avoid driving in a vehicle with high center of gravity (RV, full-size van, SUV, "lifted" truck, etc.)

Turn on headlights

Reduce speed & increase following distance

Be alert for flying debris & downed power lines

Heavy Rain

If possible, postpone travel until conditions improve 

Turn on headlights

Never drive through standing water

Reduce speed & increase following distance

If you can't see clearly, park in a safe location until conditions improve. Turn on flashers

Snow & Ice

If possible, postpone travel until conditions improve

Make sure others know where you’re going & when you expect to arrive

Give others your mobile-phone number

Turn on headlights 

Expect trip to take longer than usual; reduce speed & increase following distance

Allow extra room to stop

Give extra clearance to snowplows

Avoid remote, lightly traveled roads


Hail

Turn on headlights

Pull off road & park in safe, sheltered location until conditions improve. Turn on flashers

After parking, use hands to protect face if storm is severe enough to break the windshield


Tornado

Pull off the road, exit your vehicle & try to gain access to a building. Proceed to basement; stay away from windows

If caught outside, lie facedown on ground in a low-lying area far away from vehicles. Use hands to protect back of head & neck


Fog

Turn on headlights (low-beam); use fog lamps if available 

Reduce speed

Carefully monitor visibility; if conditions keep getting worse, turn around & try another route



Additional emergency preparedness information is available at www.progressiveresponds.com.