CHEAP CAR
INSURANCE

What to do in a Hail Storm

If you're driving along in already dangerous conditions, then you might start to wonder what to do in a hail storm. If this is the case and you find yourself in this position unexpectedly, you'll need to know a few tips to stay safe. This is especially true if you have passengers or loved ones with you, so they can remain calm. When you as the driver have confidence that things will be fine, that attitude will be catchy and they will perhaps feel a little less stressed about the entire situation. To educate yourself with the tips that are given online, you might want to make some notes to share with other drivers in your family.

Stay Inside the Vehicle

First of all, do not get outside of the car. If you have to go inside somewhere, just wait it out until the storm lets up. Hail stones can fall fast and hard and can cause injury depending on where they hit you. It's not worth it to take a chance of getting injured and then not being able to make it to the doctor. The few minutes that you lose waiting for the storm to subside is more than worth staying in one piece, and keeping those you're responsible for safe.

If you can, pull over and wait it out for a bit. Driving in a severe hail storm might actually cause your windshield or mirrors to get broken. The direct hit of these stones can be hard enough to cause cracks and other damage, especially if they are of any significant size. Rather than take any chances, just pull over and call ahead to where you're going, and let them know what the plan is. If they know where you're pulled over and that you're safe at that time, it will keep them from worrying too much as well.

When you do pull over, you might find it helpful to angle the direction of your vehicle. Try to part so that the hail is not hitting any windows, but rather the front of the car. Most of the time, the strongest part of the vehicle is at the very front and this can keep you and your passengers the safest. The sides of your car, including the windows, are not as strong as this singular portion of the car. This is why if you've ever been involved in a head-on collision, you may have noticed the impact difference between that and when someone hits the side of your car.

Protecting Your Face and Chest

If you are really prepared and have a blanket and other items with you, then lay down in the back under the blanket. Obviously, it's going to be important to keep your face away from the window and protect your loved ones as much as possible. Because your chest has so many vital organs so accessible, it's best to keep your back up and everything else facing down. If it is a particularly damaging and dangerous storm, this can prevent you from getting hurt too badly, even if the side windows do manage to get broken.

While it's going to be a little scary to drive in, at least you'll know what to do in a hail storm. Knowledge is everything and in situations like this, it can give you a sense of security. When you know you're doing the right thing, you won't feel quite as helpless as someone who has never read through this information.