In your car when storm hits? Aaa Kansas has tips to remain safe

Storm awareness week is the 3rd to 7th March in Kansas

Wichita, Kan.-3. March 2025-spring and summer are a time to have an eye to the sky and to stay weather-conscious. As many people in this part of the country know, strong thunderstorms and even tornadoes can strike quickly and violently. Dangerous, harmful storms can catch drivers on the streets so that AAA Kansas asks the drivers and their passengers to be prepared and take appropriate safety precautions if they drive in a vehicle when driving in a vehicle.

“Storms are common in spring and summer. The probability is that the drivers will encounter storms in their vehicles,” said Shawn Steward, Aaa Kansas spokesman. “Depending on the weather conditions, a vehicle can either be very dangerous or a safety place. The key is prepared for storms and the right way to react to what mother nature throws on her. “

Heavy rain and floods

The drivers should be remembered that it is Kansas Law that when disc discs are switched on should also be headlights. Slights can help divers to see better, but also see their vehicle by other drivers.

Holding water on streets can cause hydroplanization and loss of vehicle control, so that drivers should reduce their speed under rainy conditions. Streets that are completely covered with water are a special danger.

“Avoid driving into floods,” warned Aaa Kansas' Steward. “Floods cause more deaths than any other storm -related event, and many of these deaths occur in vehicles. Only 12 inch moving water can sweep most vehicles off the street. The slogan “revolution, not drowning” is important that you have to remember and follow. “

hail

Hailstorms hit with little warning and usually only last for about five minutes, but hailstones – frozen rain pellets – can cause great damage during this short time.

In the United States there were almost 5,400 main traits in 2024 (hailstones with a diameter of 1 inch). According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), almost 500 found in Kansas – the second most common in the nation, behind Texas, almost 500 in Kansas. Most hailstones are about the size of a pea or a marble, but they can become as big as a softball in a heavy storm.

“Hail from most of every size can your car divided and larger stones can smash your windows,” said Gary Tomes, Territory Manager, insurance for AAA Kansas. “And this is not an unusual event in Kansas. Fortunately, hail damage on a vehicle is covered by its comprehensive car insurance policy, which covers your vehicle, which is not caused by a collision, physical damage. “

Park your car if possible to protect your car from hailstorms.

If you are in your car when a hailstorm hits and see a safe place nearby, such as: If there is no shelter available and hail is large enough to cause damage, stop driving and completely withdrawing the road. Move from the car windows and cover your head with your arms and hands to protect yourself from a break.

flash

The National Weather Service reports that lightning strikes about 25 million times a year, killed about 20 people in the United States and injured hundreds.

If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm, look for protection in a hard -boiled vehicle or a low area such as a tunnel. If you are already in your car when a lightning storm begins, stay in the vehicle to protect yourself, but avoid fences, isolated trees, telephone masts, power lines and pipelines.

According to Tomes, the extensive part of a car insurance policy is usually covered. Thunderstorms can sometimes have different effects on vehicles, including:

• Damage caused by falling trees due to strong winds. This type of damage is usually covered by standard car insurance policies. However, if the tree is weak in front of the storm, the damage may not be covered.
• A running fire that results from a flash storm can damage cars. Insurance coverage for Wildfire is included in the comprehensive coverage of a car insurance policy, even if it is caused by lightning.

Tornados

According to NOAA, there were more than 1,900 documented tornados in the USA in 2024 in the United States.

“If you are in your car and is a tornado nearby, leave the vehicle and look for protection in a storm protection or a robust structure,” said Aaa Kansas' Steward. “The last way out, if there is no structure nearby, protect yourself in your vehicle – the seat belt. Duck under Windows; Cover a blanket to protect it from glass/dirt. And protect your head with your arms. “

Also keep away when covering a tornado of trees, signs or cars/machines and avoid looking for protection where you fall on or can blow them. Most tornados travel south to the northeast. Take this into account if you are looking for protection.

After all, never look for protection against a tornado under a freeway overpass or bridge, as tornad winds become stronger and can generate a wind tunnel effect, causing you to put you in danger of being torn away or killed by flying rubble.

Emergency kit

AAA recommends that drivers create an emergency kit in their cars in spring/summer. The kit should contain objects such as perishable food/snacks and water, tool kit, flashlight, hand-sick or battery-operated radio, additional batteries, cell phone and charger, first aid supplies, torches or reflectors, raincoat or poncho, a towel or ceiling as well as an additional pair of shoes.

About AAA

AAA offers more than 65.2 million members nationwide automotive, travel and insurance services and almost 350,000 members in Kansas. AAA is committed to the security and mobility of its members and has been committed to excellent road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a company for membership that is not working on behalf of drivers who can map a route. Find local gas prices and charging stations for electric vehicles, discover discounts, book a hotel and follow your road aid service with the AAA Mobile app (Mobile AAA ().Aaa.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. Further information on accession or renewing a membership can be found at www.aaa.com.