Weather Alert: Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Katia and Jose

Where possible, driving in hurricane conditions should be AVOIDED, but this is not always an option, especially as bad weather can be unexpected. There are many steps you can take to improve your safety when the weather is bad, starting before you even get in your vehicle. Be sure to ask yourself - is my journey essential? In severe weather situations, it may be safer to stay off the road.

Check your vehicle:

• Be sure your vehicle has been maintained/serviced and operating safely. 
• Tires have a good tread depth and are inflated correctly (including the spare). 
• Windshield wipers and washers are working properly. In colder temperatures, use high strength screen-wash. 
• Lights are clean and working.
• See that all your vehicle windows, mirrors and lights are clean.
• Be sure that you have your emergency kit in your vehicle!

Check the weather conditions: 

• Check local and national TV and Radio for travel and weather information, before venturing out.

In times of unpredictable weather conditions, it’s good practice before venturing out to: 

• Check that you have a full tank of fuel. 
• Let someone know your destination and your expected time of arrival. 
• Make sure your cell phone is fully charged but remember you could break down in a "dead area," so take warm high visibility clothing, hot drinks, food, boots, a flashlight and shovel as well.

If you are out on the roads in poor conditions: 

• Use the main roads as much as possible and allow extra time for your journey. 

If you do break down: 

• If you get into trouble, stay with your vehicle if possible, until help arrives. 
• If you do have to leave your vehicle, make yourself visible to others. 
• If you have to abandon your vehicle, give local police the details and park safely to avoid obstruction to maintenance and emergency vehicles.

ATTENTION: Electric Vehicles (EV) and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles (HEV) involved in Fires, Floods or Collisions*:

• Always assume the high voltage battery and associated components are energized and fully charged.
• Exposed electrical components, wires and HV batteries present potential HV shock hazards.
• Venting/off-gassing HV battery vapors are potentially toxic and flammable.
• Physical damage to the vehicle or HV battery may result in immediate or delayed release of toxic and/or flammable gases and fire.
• A HV battery in a flooded vehicle may have high voltage and short circuits that can shock or cause fires.
• Always remain a safe distance from a flooded EV or HEV and DO NOT attempt physical contact with the vehicle. 

Driving in Flood Conditions**

Six inches of water will reach the bottoms of most car doors. One foot of water will float many vehicles, and two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles. Be cautious that with standing water, you can’t see the road conditions beneath. It is possible there could be large potholes or even portions of the road that have collapsed or washed away. When flood conditions are present, it’s best to stay off the roads. If you find yourself traveling in flood conditions and you have no other reasonable alternative but to drive through standing water, follow these tips:

• Do your best to estimate the depth of the water. If other cars are driving through, take note of how deep the water is. 
• Drive slowly and steadily through the water. Faster speeds create less tire contact with the road surface.
• Avoid driving in water with downed electrical or power lines — electric current passes through water easily. 
• If negotiating a flooded section of road, drive in the middle where the water will be at its shallowest. 
• Consider other drivers - pass through flooded sections one car at a time, don't drive through water against approaching vehicles.
• Driving through standing water may affect your brakes. Test your brakes at low speeds as soon as you exit the water. 
• Be alert for non-functioning traffic signals. If you encounter an intersection where the signal is out, treat it as a four-way stop.

Hurricanes: 

• If a hurricane watch is issued for your area, pack your car with essentials and fill your gas tank. 
• You may be ordered to evacuate. Check media for instructions. Be familiar with designated evacuation routes and use them. 
• Flooding can happen without warning both before and after a hurricane. 
• Watch for downed utility lines, trees, and debris from hurricane force winds. 

Thunderstorms: 

• It is safest to stay in your car when lightning is present. If you have to park, do so in an open area away from trees. 
• Watch for flooded roadways. 
• If you are driving after a thunderstorm, be vigilant for downed branches and power lines or other debris lying in the road.
• Hail associated with thunderstorms can hamper visibility and may shatter windshields.

Always Remember:

• Be sure to give cyclists and motorcyclists extra room in bad weather. 
• Beware of ‘hydroplaning’ when roads are wet. This is caused when a layer of water builds up on the road surface and prevents the vehicle from responding to actions such as steering and braking. Slow down!
• Your safety is a priority! If it’s not safe, don’t venture out!

Don't Forget:

Be equipped

Always keep your vehicle maintained

Drive at a suitable speed for road/other conditions

Watch out for debris after bad weather

Ensure you watch out for stranded vehicles

Always listen to the weather forecast before setting off

Try to increase your visibility to others

High sided vehicles can be affected by strong wind

Every journey should be planned in advance

Remember to drive slowly, smoothly and steadily and to not drive at all, if conditions don’t permit safe driving!

SAFE DRIVING.

*(Source: US Department of Transportation)

**(Source: Above section adapted from Progressive Insurance tips published in Automotive Fleet.)