NAFA Offers Important Safety Tips In Storm Situations

With the tragic circumstances of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma fresh in everyone’s minds, NAFA Fleet Management Association issued a reminder to all drivers – in fleet and not – to approach all rainstorms with caution.

When asked what ages-old piece of advice he’d have stricken from the record, Meteorological Journalist Bob Henson responded with another question. “How often, when you’re coming into a big thunderstorm, possibly with hail, do you see people just park in an underpass?”

Henson said there are two drawbacks to stopping dead in an underpass. The first is that a small group of drivers have now impeded the road for everyone, leaving them exposed to the elements, and making a possibly necessary reverse-and-retreat much more difficult. “There’s also some funneling of wind current under there, although different sections of underpass will be affected in different ways. It is generally not a safe place to be.” If you must park, Henson said, the best thing to do is park on the shoulder and wait it out. Yes, this might leave the vehicle exposed to possibly damaging hail or other debris flying around, but it leaves the road clear if an escape route is needed.

Reduce your speed. Driving fast in the rain can contribute to hydroplaning and loss of control. Leave more space between you and the vehicle in front should quick braking be necessary. Also keep an eye out for, and steer clear of, large vehicles that will throw backsplash at you.

Don’t drive through fast flowing water as you have no way of judging how strong the current is.In the event your vehicle becomes submerged, the average vehicle should stay afloat 30 to 60 seconds. Until you are prepared to escape (and this might sound counterintuitive), stay buckled in your seat. An underwater vehicle has no predictability, and you could hit your head and pass out if the car moves in a sudden way. Staying awake and lucid is imperative. Immediately unlock the doors. Power accessories will generally remain functional for a couple of minutes. Unbuckle your seat belt when you are ready to escape, open windows, and swim to safety. If your windows will not open, you will need to try to kick out a window. Remember that, as difficult as it might be to kick this out on land, it will be more so under water pressure.

It is best to avoid such predicaments altogether. If you cannot judge how deep the water is, or how fast it is flowing, do not get near it. Safely back away and make an emergency phone call if you are able.

For more information about fleet prep in dangerous weather, NAFA has a complete article on the subject at their website: https://www.nafa.org/About/About-NAFA/Pressroom/2017-Press-Releases/August/Out2.aspx

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