Driving can be hazardous at any time, but the dangers can be magnified when a hurricane strikes. High winds, heavy rain, flooding, and debris create treacherous road conditions that put drivers, passengers, vehicles, and cargo at risk. Learn how to prepare for hurricanes and help protect your vehicles and employees using our motor carrier and driver safety tips below. For further assistance, please contact our Loss Control Department at 800-782-8902 x3805 or safety@lancerinsurance.com.
HURRICANE SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTOR CARRIERS
Your level of preparation before a hurricane's arrival can determine how well your company weathers the storm and how quickly you recover from it. Commercial motor vehicle operations are strongly advised to review the following important precautions to help protect vehicles and employees from the dangers of a hurricane.
Prepare Your Organization
Monitor the weather. Use reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center (NHC), NOAA Weather Radio, and State Department of Transportation websites to stay updated on weather and road conditions. Pay attention to hurricane watches and warnings and heed all state and local evacuation advisories.
Remind employees of key elements of your company's emergency preparedness plan related to hurricanes. Make sure all personnel have a clear understanding of protocols, designated evacuation routes, safe havens, and communication procedures.
Download a printer-friendly version of our HURRICANE SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS and distribute it to your team. By remaining cautious and following these essential guidelines, drivers can help minimize risks when traveling in areas at risk for storms.
Prepare Your Vehicles
Cancel or re-route all scheduled trips within the path of a hurricane.
Fill vehicle fuel tanks. Power outages and weather-related fuel delivery delays could result in fuel shortages post storm.
Relocate idle vehicles if your facility is located within the storm's path. Move any vehicles that are not going to be in service to higher ground to help prevent damage or loss. Park vehicles away from trees, power lines, or other objects that could fall on your vehicles.
Please contact Lancer Insurance Company immediately if your company has been contracted to assist in storm evacuations: 800-782-8902, ext. 3805.
Establish a communication system that requires scheduled contact times with your drivers so they can be updated on conditions. Have a backup communication plan in place in case primary systems fail. Enforce your electronic device usage policy so drivers are not using cell phones while operating the vehicle.
Be very aware that after any storm, flood vehicles will find their way into the mainstream used vehicle markets. All vehicles should be thoroughly inspected before being purchased.
HURRICANE SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS
(Download a printer-friendly version of these tips.)
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Drivers who operate in areas at risk for storms should take the following precautions to help ensure their safety and minimize potential losses:
Complete a thorough pre-trip vehicle inspection (49 CFR 396.13). Follow federal regulations and ensure that key components like tires, windshield wipers, defroster, lights, and reflectors are functioning properly. If hauling freight, double check that all loads are secured properly as severe weather increases the risk of the cargo becoming dislodged or shifting mid transit. Extreme weather may also cause tiedowns and/or tarps to loosen.
Pack an emergency kit. Carry essentials such as a cell phone and charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, extra clothing, rain gear, a blanket, non-perishable food, bottled water, and any necessary prescription medications.
Plan your route carefully. Identify alternative routes in case of road closures due to flooding and allot extra time to reach your destination. If you use a global positioning system (GPS) or navigation app, make sure that it is designed for commercial motor vehicles and updated with the latest vehicle-specific mapping data.
Check the weather forecast as part of your trip-planning routine, and every hour or two throughout your journey as conditions can change rapidly. If extreme weather is predicted along your route, consider postponing your trip to avoid unnecessary risks. High wind alerts and flash flood and tornado warnings should be taken very seriously.
Turn on low beam headlights in adverse conditions to improve visibility. Follow local and state laws for using headlights when windshield wipers are on.
Slow down and increase your following distance in rainy weather. Reducing your speed decreases your stopping distance and the extra space allows for adequate time to react to hazards and offers maximum visibility of what is ahead. Avoid traveling in packs of vehicles, and back off if you are catching up to clusters of traffic.
Use gradual movements. Avoid sudden starts, stops, turns, lane changes, or acceleration. These movements can cause your vehicle to skid or lose control on slippery roads.
Opt for the middle lane on wet roads, when possible, as water tends to flow outward. Drive in others' tracks for better traction.
Watch for objects that could potentially blow into the roadway. Avoid downed power lines or dangling wires as they may be live.
If you come upon a flooded road, take an alternate route! Do not drive through standing water or around barriers that are in place to warn of flooding. The depth of the water is unpredictable, and you cannot be sure of the road's condition beneath it. Be especially cautious at night when it is more difficult to recognize flood dangers.
Whenever adverse weather impacts safe driving, pull over to the nearest safe and legal location until it is safe to move again (49 CFR 392.14). Park away from trees, power lines or other objects that could fall on your vehicle.
After a storm, beware of lingering hazards. Downed power lines, flooding, debris in the road, and missing traffic signs and signals are just a few of the potential threats that may remain. Be cautious and adjust your driving to match current road conditions, even if the weather appears to have cleared.
