Toyota of Dothan Offers Advice for Driving When a Tornado Strikes

Mar 17, 2015

Many myths about driving in tornadoes are all over the internet, and some of the bad advice can actually be deadly. Whether a tornado strikes when you are driving in town or you are on a road trip, remaining calm and taking action will save your life. Toyota of Dothan offers advice for driving in a tornado.

Keep your radio on

If the weather is bad, make sure your car radio is on a local radio station. Your AM/FM channels will give you accurate weather information and warnings as soon as warnings and watches are in effect. If a tornado alert comes across the speakers, take immediate action to stay safe. Do not try to push it or buy yourself more time; it is not safe.

Do not follow the cars to the highway overpass

Movies and misinformation online have told drivers to seek shelter under highway overpasses. This is a deadly decision, but people still flock to them when a tornado hits. In reality, the wind speeds from a tornado actually increase beneath the overpasses. Not only does the area become a wind tunnel, the structure can crumple on top of you, leaving you pinned beneath.

Get out

When you hear a tornado warning, get out of your vehicle and seek shelter right away. Go inside a 4-walled structure, not under a carport or awning. Wherever you are, get down low and cover your face and head with your arms, a shirt, or other protective device.

Get low

If you are outside, and a sturdy shelter is not nearby, get low. Do not try to outrun the tornado; they can change direction at ANY moment. Lie on the ground or in an embankment. Wherever you go, make sure it is the low-lying area, and cover your face and head.

Buckle up

If you are in your vehicle and shelter is not nearby, try to drive away from the tornado if you can. If you cannot because you are stuck in traffic or on a divided highway, remain in your vehicle and buckle up. Put your head down lower than the windows and cover you head with a jacket, shirt, bag, or your arms.