The Texas Department of Public Safety gave some tips for drivers when it comes to severe weather in the spring and summer months.
Over the weekend, parts of West Texas saw a mix of wind, rain, and hail. Corporal John Gonzalez with the DPS said it’s best to avoid driving if you can during that kind of weather.
“Obviously, if you don’t have to get out, don’t get out,” Gonzalez said.
Corporal Gonzalez said his number one piece of advice is to slow down.
“If you have to be out and you are about where there is bad weather, we would encourage you, again, the basic of slowing down,” Gonzalez said.
He also said it’s important to keep other parts of your car in good shape, too.
“Make sure your windshield wipers are operative, your defroster, windshield wipers, the air pressures proper in your vehicle, because tires do safe your life, low tires could cause you to hydroplane very easily,” Gonzalez said.
He said there can also be problems with visibility, either due to heavy rainfall or dust.
“If you do have that and you do have to stop on the roadway, pull completely off the shoulder as far as you can if practicable,” Gonzalez said. “And if it’s safe to do so and without causing interference with you getting stuck or anything, [move] into the bar ditch, move as far away from the roadway, because if you can’t see, people can’t see you as well.”
When it comes to driving during a hailstorm, Gonzalez said he would encourage drivers to pull over and wait out the storm.
“Stop, let it pass,” Gonzalez said. “Worst case scenario, you get some busted windshields, but it’s safer in that position than trying to drive down the roadway with it busting your windshield.”
