{"id":1218,"date":"2026-07-23T14:09:44","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T14:09:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.revprotectionplans.com\/blog\/?p=1218"},"modified":"2026-07-23T14:47:44","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T14:47:44","slug":"drive-safe-how-to-be-prepared-for-severe-summer-weather","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.revprotectionplans.com\/blog\/drive-safe-how-to-be-prepared-for-severe-summer-weather\/","title":{"rendered":"Drive Safe: How to Be Prepared for Severe Summer Weather"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Summer driving brings its own set of hazards \u2013 sudden severe storms, flash floods, heat, and blinding glare from the sun. <\/span><\/p>\n

Wet roads can double your stopping distance. Flooded roads can be far more dangerous than they look. Knowing how to prepare and knowing what to do if you\u2019re driving in severe conditions is what separates a close call from a safe arrival.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Quick Answer:\u00a0<\/strong>If you\u2019re driving and you encounter severe summer weather, the most important thing to do is slow down and increase the distance between your car and other drivers \u2013 before<\/i> conditions deteriorate. Turn on your headlights for visibility. If you need to, pull into a parking lot or rest area, or onto a safe road shoulder with your hazard lights on.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Why Is Summer Weather More Dangerous Than You Think?<\/h2>\n

Most drivers are mentally ready for winter conditions like freezing temperatures, ice, and snow. But statistics show that rain-related crashes outnumber snow-related crashes in most U.S. states. According to federal highway data, wet pavement accounts for nearly 70% of all weather-related crashes each year.<\/p>\n

Summer adds a few other wrinkles. Afternoon thunderstorms pop up with little warning. Heat causes your car’s tire pressure to spike, which can sometimes increase risk for a blowout. And intense glare from the sun, especially at dawn or dusk, can be blinding.<\/p>\n

It’s not that summer weather is secretly catastrophic. It’s that drivers often don’t take it as seriously as they should.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"Severe\n
Summer is not always sun and fun. Severe weather can strike without warning.\u00a0<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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How to Drive Safely in Heavy Storms<\/h2>\n

When encountering a summer storm, a few simple habits can make a big difference.<\/p>\n

Slow down<\/h4>\n

Speed limits are set for ideal conditions. Rain and storms are not ideal conditions. Slow down even if other drivers are not. Aim for about 5 to 10 mph below the posted limit in moderate rain. Slow down even more in heavy downpours.<\/p>\n

Turn on your headlights<\/h4>\n

Many states legally require your headlights to be on when wipers are running. Aside from the law, it makes good sense as you’ll be much more visible to other drivers.<\/p>\n

Double your following distance<\/h4>\n

The standard 3-second rule becomes a 6-second rule on wet roads. The extra distance gives you extra time to stop if someone slams their brakes in front of you.<\/p>\n

Know when to pull over<\/h4>\n

If it’s raining so hard that you can’t see lane markings or the car ahead of you, pull off the road at a rest stop, parking lot, or a safe shoulder. Keep your lights and your hazards on. Waiting for a storm to pass is a small inconvenience compared to ending up in an accident.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Hydroplaning: What Is It and How Do You Recover?<\/h2>\n

Hydroplaning happens when your tires can’t push water away fast enough and start riding on top of it instead of gripping the road. Once you begin hydroplaning, steering and braking are almost useless. It can happen at speeds as low as 35 mph if you have worn tires and at even lower speeds on bald tires.<\/p>\n

How to recover if you begin hydroplaning<\/h4>\n
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  • Ease off the gas gradually. Don’t stomp the brakes<\/li>\n
  • Keep the wheel straight or steer gently in the direction you want to go<\/li>\n
  • Let the car slow down naturally until you feel traction return<\/li>\n
  • Only then apply light, controlled braking

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    Two of the best ways to prevent hydroplaning are to slow down in rain and keep your tires in good shape. Tire tread depth matters more than most people realize.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Flash Flooding and Standing Water: Never Do This<\/h2>\n

    “Turn around, don’t drown” isn’t just a catchy phrase. It’s based on physics. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet. One foot can sweep a small car off the road. Two feet can carry away most SUVs and trucks.<\/p>\n

    The danger with flooded roads is that you can’t tell how deep the water is, or whether the road beneath it is intact. Floodwaters hide washed-out pavement, open manholes, massive potholes, and random debris.<\/p>\n

    If you’re caught in rising water<\/h4>\n

    Stay calm. Unlock your doors immediately and be ready to exit. If the car stalls, get out before the water rises further. Don’t wait for it to stop. Leave your phone or any other personal items. Nothing in your car is worth risking your life.<\/p>\n

    The best thing to do to avoid being in this situation is, if you see a flooded road, turn around and find another route. It’s worth a little inconvenience to arrive safely at your destination.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Sun Glare and Summer Visibility Hazards<\/h2>\n

    It might seem insignificant compared to storms and flooding, but glare from the sun can also cause dangerous driving conditions. Driving directly into a low sun can reduce your visibility to near zero, especially in the hour after sunrise or before sunset.<\/p>\n

    To combat glare, use your visor. Keep your windshield clean. A dirty windshield scatters light, increasing the amount of glare. Also, keep a quality pair of polarized sunglasses in the car at all times (polarized lenses cut glare far better than standard sunglasses).\u00a0<\/p>\n

    Slow down on glare-heavy roads, especially in residential areas or near intersections where pedestrians may be hard to see.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Before You Leave:\u00a0Summer Weather Pre-Trip Check\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

    A little preparation goes a long way. It only takes a minute to check your car and make sure you’re ready for the commute or summer road trip.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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