Is It Safe to Drive During a Typhoon?
3 Answers
During a typhoon, it is generally advisable to stay indoors for safety reasons and wait until the typhoon passes. Below are some precautions to consider if you must drive during a typhoon: Avoid flooded areas: Heavy rain from the typhoon will likely cause road flooding, making driving difficult. Pay close attention to low-lying areas where water accumulation may be severe, and try to avoid driving through flooded zones. Maintain a safe speed: Even in areas without flooding, drive cautiously and keep your speed in check. During heavy rain, it is recommended not to exceed 40 km/h, as higher speeds can be dangerous due to slippery road conditions. Sudden braking at high speeds may lead to brake failure and serious accidents. Use proper lighting: Typhoon weather often brings low visibility due to dark skies, so ensure your vehicle's lights are on—including fog lights, position lights, and low beams. All three types of lights are essential to make your vehicle visible to other drivers and pedestrians. Skipping any of these lights can be hazardous.
Driving during a typhoon? I sincerely advise against it. Once, I drove out in a heavy rainstorm—the wind was so strong that my car was shaking, the road was flooded, and I almost skidded and rolled over. It was terrifying. Typhoons bring powerful winds and torrential rain, reducing visibility to zero, and flooding streets is common. Trees or billboards on the roadside might collapse. If you absolutely must drive, make sure to check your braking system and tire tread depth beforehand—ensure it’s deep enough for grip. Use fog lights instead of high beams to avoid glare, drive at least 50% slower than usual, and double your following distance. Also, prepare emergency supplies: keep some dry food, water, and a flashlight in the car, charge your phone fully, and enable GPS navigation to avoid flooded areas. Remember, safety is a hundred times more important than your trip. Opt for a taxi or public transport instead—it’s much more reliable. Wait until the typhoon passes and road conditions improve before heading out.
I've driven through several typhoons, and the experience was nerve-wracking the entire time. Once, while running an errand, the rain was heavy and the wind fierce, causing my car to skid uncontrollably in the flooded roads—I instantly understood the terror of hydroplaning; any higher speed would have meant losing control. Now, I've learned my lesson: unless it's an emergency like taking an elderly person to the hospital, I stay home without exception. If I must drive, I make sure the car is in good condition: tire pressure is maintained properly, brake pad wear is checked; while driving, I use lower gears to control speed steadily and turn on hazard lights to alert vehicles behind me. I also keep a close eye on radio and weather app alerts for water level changes, avoiding underpasses or low-lying slopes. It's wise to pack an emergency kit and spare jackets in case you're trapped in the car to stay warm. After all, life only comes once—when public transport is suspended during a typhoon, it's smarter to prioritize contacting family or friends for a ride.
