Summer Storm Driving Tips

The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season is already gearing up to be an active one, with subtropical storm Alberto dropping buckets of water over the east coast. As the storm traveled up from Florida over the Memorial Day weekend, it ended up resting over South Carolina, causing flooding throughout both coastal and inland communities. While this did not stop holiday traffic, it is important to be aware of how rain and storm conditions impact travel, making car accidents and potentially serious personal injuries more likely to occur. In preparation for the months ahead, review hurricane preparation procedures, along with our tips for driving in summer storms.
South Carolina Hurricane Safety
Hurricane season in the Atlantic region runs from June 1 through November 30, 2018. During this time, residents of Aiken and throughout the Carolina’s are encouraged to keep an eye on local forecasts for tropical storms and severe weather that could be heading into our area. In preparation, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) advises all residents to have a hurricane safety kit prepared and ready for use. Items to keep in this kit include:
Bottled water
Shelf stable food items
Flashlights and batteries
Transistor radio
Blankets and extra clothing
First aid kit
Emergency contact information
Prescription eyeglasses and medications
You also may want to consider purchasing a generator in advance. Once it is announced that a storm is headed our way, these and other supplies can be harder to locate.
Driving Tips During Storms
In the event of heavy rains, winds, and the potential for flooding, your best bet is always to stay off the roads. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. If you need to check on older adults and family members or assist in evacuations, it is important to use extreme caution when navigating roads.
Flash flooding is common in our area. If you see a puddle in the road, you should always attempt to go around it, rather than passing through. It is impossible to judge the depth simply by appearance, and it only takes a foot or so of water to cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Follow these additional tips from Esurance for driving in tropical storms and hurricane conditions:
Keep your eyes on the road at all times. Be on the lookout for sudden changes in traffic and for vehicles in distress.
Keep both hands on the wheel. Rain can make roads slick, and high winds make skidding into other lanes more likely.
Watch your speed. Go under the speed limit to avoid hydroplaning.
Give others plenty of space. Avoid tailgating, which can result in rear end accidents. Be careful near trucks and other tall vehicles, which are more likely to roll over.
Contact Us Today For Help
Our Aiken, SC auto accident attorney encourages you to make safety a priority by taking the steps needed to prepare this hurricane season. When accidents do occur, contact the Surasky Law Firm, LLC for professional legal guidance in dealing with insurance and injury claims. We protect your rights while helping you get the compensation you need to recover.