by Marty Padgett

The height of the hurricane and tornado seasons are here — and for drivers across the Great Plains and the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, it’s time to make sure that emergency plans are in place for a natural disaster.

That means knowing what to do if you absolutely must drive in severe weather. The AAA — and anyone who’s survived a major storm — can tell you it’s always better to stay somewhere safe and off the roads until the danger has passed. But if you have to venture out for a medical emergency or during an evacuation, make sure to follow these simple guidelines to keep from becoming another rescue:

Take it easy. Driving fast on wet roads is a recipe for an accident. You’ll hydroplane more easily than you think, especially with winds in excess of 40 mph. Know how to countersteer in your particular vehicle in case you begin to skid; if all else fails, get off the gas and the brake and put the car in neutral.

Keep an eye out for debris. A big storm will bring with it tree limbs, flying glass, trashcans, and other projectiles. If you can, avoid driving over the debris to protect your tires. Avoid downed power lines completely by taking an alternate route.

Learn the four-way rule. Power goes out during even a mild thunderstorm. If you’re driving and the streetlights go out, you need to be on the defensive. If you come to an intersection, come to a complete stop and allow traffic through the intersection one at a time. When it’s your turn, proceed slowly and check all directions to make sure it’s safe to cross.

Keep it above water. Your vehicle won’t run if you let the engine get submerged. Avoid water that’s rising above the bottom of your car’s headlamps. If it’s too late, turn it off, and get it to a mechanic as soon as practical after the water subsides. If you have to keep going through an area with high water, move slowly to avoid piling up water in the front of your vehicle and flooding the engine. Above all, don’t drive through rising floodwaters.

© 2001 The Car Connection