Top 10 safety tips for driving during an emergency evacuation
Staying safe on the roads during an emergency evacuation is critical to your safety. This is true whether a hurricane is headed your way, a wildfire is encroaching, or other emergencies arise.
- Be prepared
When an emergency evacuation is imminent, you need to be prepared. Pack an emergency kit with essentials such as food, water, medications, a flashlight, and a fully charged cell phone. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and fueled up or charged up before the evacuation begins.
If you’re travelling with children, make sure to have toys or items to keep them occupied so you can focus on the road. Have a plan of action and choose more than one safe destination, in case you need to adjust at the last minute.
- Follow official guidelines
Stay updated on storm-related information provided by local authorities or emergency management agencies such as the National Weather Service. Follow their evacuation orders and guidelines about the designated emergency evacuation routes and shelters. Relying on this expertise will ensure the safest possible journey and protect you from potential hazards.
Following authorities’ instructions is critical for your safety and the smooth flow of traffic. Don’t wait too long. Last-second evacuations are riskier as drivers may panic on the roads and emergency resources may not be available.
- Stay informed about weather conditions
Stay updated on the latest weather conditions during the evacuation. Check weather forecasts and listen to emergency radio channels for updates. Being aware of changing weather patterns will help you anticipate any additional challenges you may encounter during the evacuation process. Adjust your driving speed and route to stay safe on the road.
- Use navigation and traffic apps
Stay updated on real-time road conditions, traffic congestion, and alternative routes with navigation or traffic apps like Google Maps or Waze. They can provide valuable information to help you navigate through traffic and avoid road closures that often occur during an emergency evacuation. These apps can save you time, reduce stress, and improve overall safety.
Have a passenger help with navigation. Don’t take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel to tend to your phone.
- Drive defensively
During an emergency evacuation, roads can become congested and chaotic. Drive defensively, wear your seat belt, obey traffic rules, and be patient. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes and mind on the road. Watch for changing traffic patterns, as you may encounter detours and reverse traffic flows, and keep a safe distance between your vehicle and others.
Stay alert for sudden braking or lane changes from surrounding vehicles and be prepared to react accordingly. Your defensive driving skills can help prevent accidents and keep traffic flowing smoothly. Fleets can help drivers prepare for defensive driving through proactive assignment of defensive driver online training.
- Use headlights and signals
Turn on your headlights, even during daylight hours, to enhance your visibility to other drivers. This helps in avoiding potential accidents due to reduced visibility caused by heavy rain or fog. Use your turn signals earlier and more prominently than usual to alert other drivers of your intentions in advance.
- Slow down and maintain distance
Reduced visibility and slippery roads require you to adjust your driving speed. Maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead is essential, as it allows for better reaction time. The three-second rule (maintaining a three-second gap between you and the car in front) is especially important during storms. Reduce your speed to match the road conditions.
- Watch for hydroplaning
Avoid sudden acceleration or braking that can lead to skidding or hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when your vehicle loses contact with the road surface due to a layer of water between the tires and the road. To prevent hydroplaning, avoid driving through large puddles and maintain a lower speed when driving on wet roads. If you do experience hydroplaning, gently ease off the accelerator and steer straight until you regain control.
- Avoid cruise control
Don’t use cruise control when driving in an emergency evacuation. It may increase the risk of losing control of your vehicle on slippery roads and impact your reaction time when travelling in chaotic situations. By manually controlling your speed, you can respond more effectively to changing road conditions and maintain better control over your vehicle.
- Stay calm and focused
It’s important to remain calm and focused in high-stress situations. Keep distractions to a minimum, such as using your mobile phone or adjusting the radio. Maintain a clear mind, both for your own safety and to react effectively to any sudden changes in traffic or weather conditions. Remember that your focus and composure can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe evacuation.
In moments of uncertainty, having a plan can make all the difference. By embracing these safety tips during emergency evacuations, you're not only protecting yourself and your loved ones, but also contributing to the well-being of your entire community
For more driver safety tips, visit our resource hub.
Never miss an update
Subscribe for more news and thought leadership from Element.