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The sudden flash of light and booming sound can combine to make thunderstorms one of nature’s more awe-inspiring events. For fleet drivers, however, they can also be one of the most dangerous.
A thunderstorm presents several hazards to fleet drivers, including:
Low visibility
Reduced traction
Puddles of standing water
Lightning strike
Flying debris
The safest plan for staying safe through a thunderstorm is to not drive at all. Be sure to monitor your local weather forecast, check for alerts from the National Weather Service or your regional service, and avoid driving if a warning for a severe thunderstorm is issued.
However, waiting out the storm is not always viable, especially if you’re already on the road. So, if you do find yourself driving when a thunderstorm hits, here are some driver safety tips to keep yourself safe.
Pull over If you find yourself in an area affected by lightning:
Turn your vehicle off and turn on your hazard lights.
Stop in a safe area Avoid lower ground and pools of water to reduce the danger of flooding. Stay away from very high ground as well, especially if there are single-standing trees or telephone poles, as they can conduct lightning and increase the danger of striking the vehicle, causing injury.
Stay inside your vehicle If you cannot be inside of a building for safety, staying inside your car is your next best bet. Don’t leave your vehicle to take photos or videos of the storm. A hard-top car with the windows completely shut is the best way to prevent lightning strikes from snaking inside the vehicle.
Avoid touching metal or electronics This includes your phone and the car stereo. Metals and electronics are conductive surfaces. It’s best to fold your hands and keep them in your lap to make sure you don’t touch anything that can conduct electricity.
In the event one of your passengers is struck by lightning:
Stay calm and call 911 immediately.
If the person has stopped breathing, perform CPR until he or she begins breathing again or until medical help arrives.
When a person is struck by lightning, the electric energy disperses through their body. They are then safe to touch and can receive first aid until medical help arrives.
If your vehicle is struck by lightning, damage can range from nearly nothing to a total loss. Even if your vehicle appears to not have sustained damage, it is best to contact your accident management provider to report the incident. They can arrange to have the vehicle examined for damage that may be hidden.
Thunderstorms are usually sudden and brief, but they can still create some of the most dangerous driving conditions imaginable. While it may be a one-in-a-million chance to get struck by lightning while driving, following the above driver safety tips will help keep your mind on your driving and protect you from lightning while out on the road. For more detailed fleet driving safety tips, reach out to the Element team.