What to Pay Attention to When Driving in a Typhoon?
4 Answers
When driving during a typhoon, it is important to reduce speed and turn on the headlights. Below are detailed explanations of these two precautions: Reduce Speed: When encountering strong winds, it is necessary to reduce the vehicle's speed and maintain steady driving. The driver should firmly grip the steering wheel, observe the surroundings, release the throttle to slow down, and wait until the strong winds pass before overtaking. Turn on Headlights: The driver should be aware that visibility on the road is significantly impaired, making driving and maneuvering difficult. It is essential to turn on the headlights and hazard lights, appropriately reduce speed, and if the rain becomes too heavy, pull over to the side of the road and wait until the rain subsides before continuing. During extreme weather conditions like typhoons, it is advisable to avoid driving if possible. If driving is necessary, always prioritize safety.
The key to driving during a typhoon is maintaining stability. Last week, I witnessed a novice driver slam on the brakes in standing water, causing the car to skid sideways—it scared me into slowing down immediately. If your wipers on the highest setting can’t keep up, it’s best to find a safe spot to park and wait for the rain to ease. Crosswinds on elevated roads and open sections are particularly fierce, so grip the steering wheel firmly and avoid jerking it when the car drifts. Never force your way through standing water under bridges—you can’t tell how deep it is, and if water enters the exhaust pipe, the engine could stall, creating even bigger trouble. If you’re trapped in water and can’t open the doors, remember to use the headrest to break the window for escape—this is a skill worth practicing in advance. After the typhoon, debris like branches may litter the road, so when avoiding them, also keep an eye on the distance to vehicles behind you.
My experience is to check the tire tread depth before heading out. If it's below 4mm, the grip won't be sufficient. During typhoons, visibility is so poor it's like looking through a veil. Not only should you turn on the front and rear fog lights, but also the hazard lights so that vehicles behind can see you from afar. Be extra cautious when passing bus stops or billboards, as those metal frames can collapse unexpectedly in strong winds. Increase your braking distance to at least three times the usual amount, as stopping distances lengthen on wet roads. When encountering waterlogged areas, don't follow too closely—the spray from the vehicle ahead can instantly obscure your vision. Keeping an emergency kit in the car is very practical. I always have a flashlight, a life hammer, and a few bottles of water handy, so I won't panic if stuck in traffic.
Checking your car lights is a basic operation; driving in fog without lights is like driving blindfolded. Make sure the sunroof is closed tightly—last year, my neighbor ended up with a car full of water from a rainstorm because the sunroof wasn’t shut properly. Keep a safe distance from large trucks, as the water they splash up can completely block your windshield for several seconds. Remember to turn on the external air circulation and defog mode for your AC. Don’t wipe fog off the glass with your hands—it’s too dangerous. Keep the radio on for updates on the typhoon’s path, and don’t hesitate to exit the highway if necessary. Avoid parking under trees at all costs—after the last typhoon, over a dozen cars in our neighborhood were crushed into pancakes by fallen trees.
