Extreme Weather Summer Driving Tips

At PDCM Insurance, helping you to avoid claims is just one of the many value-added services we provide. Follow these extreme weather summer driving tips in order to stay safe and minimize your risk when traveling this summer.

Rain and Thunderstorm Driving Tips

• Turn on your headlights. Not only do they help you see the road, but they’ll help other drivers see you. This is true in either light rain or overcast conditions.
• Slow down! It takes longer to stop or reduce speed on wet pavement, which is why it is important to reduce speeds when it starts to rain.
• Drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you. If this isn’t possible or there is no one in front of you, try to stay toward the middle lanes as water tends to pool in the outer ones.
• Allow for increased space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Proper following distance is about three seconds. However, this should be increased in wet weather as road conditions deteriorate.
• If you hydroplane, hold the steering wheel straight and remove your foot from the gas.
• Avoid driving during heavy thunderstorms. High winds and heavy rains can create potentially deadly driving situations. If the storm increases in severity, pull off the road in an open area away from trees in order to avoid a lightning strike.

Driving During a Tornado

•  Do not drive during a tornado. Get out of your vehicle and find shelter. If there is not a building nearby and you can safely get lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands.