Tips for Driving During Georgia Thunderstorms

Whether you’re darting through the Atlanta Metro or hitting the backroads, there are some important things you can do to stay safe if you’re caught in the middle of a Georgia thunderstorm:

• Slow down. Posted speed limits apply to normal road conditions, but a thunderstorm can make driving downright dangerous. Reduce your speed, stay in the right lane, and maintain plenty of space between your vehicle and the one if front of you to stay as safe as possible.
• Turn your lights on. Dark clouds and heavy rain can really lower visibility, so make sure your headlights are on so you can see the road and others can see you.
• Turn you cruise control off. Rain reduces traction, and you’ll be safer if you take manual control of your vehicle.
• Avoid standing water. If the roadway is covered by water, don’t drive through it. The road could be washed away under that water, the current could be strong, and you could find yourself being pulled off the roadway.
• Pull over. Don’t feel like you have to keep going. Pull over to the side of the road or off the nearest exit and seek out a nearby building, if possible. If you must stay in your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and avoid touching anything metal inside your car.
• Keep your doors and windows shut. Although it doesn’t happen often, it is possible for lightning to strike a vehicle. If that happens, your car’s metal body will offer the most protection. By keeping your doors and windows tightly shut (and the top up if you’re in a convertible), the current will likely flow through your vehicle’s body and to the ground.

Powell & Associates wants all Georgia residents to stay safe when traveling, especially in inclement weather. So, the next time you’re driving during a Georgia thunderstorm, remember these tips and do your best to put yourself in a safe and secure position.

The Potential Dangers of Driving in a Georgia Thunderstorm

Of course, if you can avoid driving in a Georgia thunderstorm, please do. Take a peek at the forecast before you head out the door and postpone your travels until any storms have passed. That’s because driving in a thunderstorm has a lot of risk, including:

• Low visibility
• Reduced traction
• Downed power lines
• Flying debris
• Strong winds
• Large hail
• Thick mud
• Lightning
• Other drivers

There are many dangers associated with driving in a thunderstorm, and we hope you take every precaution to keep yourself safe. But you can’t control the other drivers out on the road, so if you’re injured because of someone else’s negligence, remember that you’re not alone. The experienced team at Powell & Associates specializes in storm-related accidents, and we’d love to fight on your behalf to get you the just compensation you deserve.

Contact the Leading Car Accident Attorneys in Atlanta for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a storm-related accident, please make Powell & Associates your first call. We want to fight for you, so reach out and schedule a free consultation today.