Have you seen the scary footage of truckers driving through wind storms or tornadoes and having their entire tractor and trailer flip?
It’s scary to see and definitely a situation you don’t want to get yourself in. It isn’t unheard of for a tractor-trailer to get picked up by an especially powerful tornado (check out this Dallas storm). You’ll likely do whatever you can to avoid that circumstance, but you don’t know what you don’t know.
I have plenty of stories from my time as a truck driver where I experienced close calls on the road. With a safety-driven mindset, I was able to avoid becoming a statistic. In this article, I’ll provide tips you can utilize to stay safe through the spring and summer storm season.
You’ll learn about some of the techniques I used to avoid getting in the middle of a storm and what you can do when it can’t be avoided. Because let’s face it: If you’re in Tornado Alley, the sky can be clear as day one moment and chaos the next. Sometimes you simply can’t prevent getting caught in the storm.
- Where are tornadoes most common?
- How to avoid driving into bad storms
- What to do if you encounter a tornado
- Things you shouldn’t do during a tornado
Where Are Tornadoes Most Common?
Tornadoes can occur in any part of the United States, but they’re most common in certain parts of the country. This means you don’t necessarily have to be on high alert during the summer months in every state you’re driving through.
Tornadoes are most common east of the Rocky Mountains and west of the Appalachians. This area is often referred to as Tornado Alley and includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. Tornadoes are also frequent in parts of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Kentucky. It isn’t uncommon for the Gulf states to experience tornadoes alongside hurricanes.
Tornadoes can pop up quickly in Tornado Alley, so be mindful of that while you’re driving through this area.
Tornado Safety Tips for Truck Drivers
These tips will not only help you avoid getting in the middle of a storm, but they’ll also provide tips if a storm is unavoidable.
Consistently Check the Weather
Weather checks should always be part of your daily trip plan, but you’ll want to pay especially close attention to the weather during seasons notorious for bad storms. This is especially important for over-the-road (OTR) drivers who travel a few hundred miles per day and cross through different states.
Whatever weather site or app you use, make sure you’re checking it when you start your day and each time you stop to take a break, fuel, or check your securements. Don’t just look at the area you’re currently located; check the areas you’ll be driving through and your final destination to make sure you’re in the clear throughout your entire journey.
If you know your route will take you close to the path of a storm and it’s looking ominous, take additional breaks along the way to check the weather. Stop more often to check when it’s spotty out.
About a decade ago, I was driving through Oklahoma and the weather was fine. Just an hour later, they experienced one of the largest storms to hit the area. It went from a beautiful day to a dangerous one very quickly. Things can change fast, so keep an eye on the sky.
If you need to, stop and park it until the storm passes. It’s better to be safe than on the road during dangerous weather patterns. Communicate with your driver manager what your plan is and keep them updated as things change.
Stop Moving if a Storm is Approaching
If you see something on the radar or notice the weather changing in front of your eyes, it’s time to stop driving and figure out where you are. Don’t inadvertently drive right into a storm; get out of the path of destruction.
If you’re in the direct path of the storm, try to stop and move away from it if you can. However, don’t complete a dangerous maneuver in the hopes of escaping the storm. Doing so could do more harm than good (to yourself and the vehicles around you).
A U-turn isn’t ideal and neither is pulling off on a random road. You could end up on a dead end with no way to turn around easily. Or, you might be on a road you shouldn’t be on because your freight is too large. That’s how things like bridge hits occur.
If you can pull off into a safe spot, like at a rest stop or truck stop, to reevaluate your next move, do so. Take shelter in the truck stop or whatever is nearby and safe enough to shelter in.
Stop and pull over onto the side of the road if it’s too late to get somewhere safe. It’s better to be stationary than moving at top speed when the wind and rain hits.
Take Shelter
If you’ve encountered a storm and you can’t avoid it, you need to stop and take cover. There are a few things you could do:
- Lay down in a ditch
- Protect yourself in your truck
If there’s a ditch nearby that is free of debris, water, and power lines, lie down in it and get as low as you can. Protect your head and neck. Something from your truck — like a pillow or coat — is a good option, but your hands and arms work too.
Flying debris is the biggest cause of deaths and injuries during a tornado, so the idea behind lying in a ditch is that the debris will fly over you. Make sure you distance yourself from your tractor and trailer because they’ll be at risk of flipping. You don’t want them to fall onto you.
Your other option is to stay in your truck, though some experts say it isn’t the safest place to be — especially because your truck could get picked up or flipped. However, if you don’t have time to get out of your truck, there’s not a safe ditch nearby, or it’s hailing, it may be your best option.
If you stay in your truck, get in the sleeper (if you have one), get low to the ground, and protect your head. The tornado may knock the truck down or carry it a very short distance, but it’s not as likely to be thrown if it’s fully loaded. Flying debris is a concern, so try to avoid being close to the windshield.
Keep Supplies With You
The good news about summer storms is that they typically pass very quickly. While a winter storm can keep you off the road for days, summer storms tend to pop up suddenly and leave as quickly as they came. You may only need to shut down for a few hours tops.
However, it’s still important to keep supplies on you for times like these. If you’re driving through a town just hit by a storm, power lines may be down and debris may be covering the roads. You might not be able to get to a store. Having fresh water, nonperishables, and a charged phone in your truck is important in times like these.
Things Truckers Shouldn’t Do During a Tornado
Now that you know what to do if you encounter a tornado, here’s what you shouldn’t do.
Go Under an Overpass
For years, getting under an overpass was the advice experts gave. Now, it’s understood that overpasses, tunnels, and bridges are some of the most dangerous places you can be during a tornado. They can act as a wind tunnel, increasing a tornado’s speed and putting you more at risk.
Going under an overpass can also increase your chances of getting hit by debris.
Keep Driving
A lot of drivers are tempted to keep driving through a bad storm. They believe they can get ahead of it if they just keep going.
Trying to get ahead of the storm isn’t a good idea, especially when you consider how unpredictable tornadoes are. They can change direction at a moment’s notice. Plus, they throw debris in all directions, so no matter where you are, you’re in danger. It’s best just to stop forward movement.
Even wind storms can be dangerous for semi-trucks — especially if you’re hauling a dry van, a high flatbed load, or an empty cattle trailer. A wind gust can easily knock you over, and when you’re moving at speed the dangerous effects are multiplied.
Stay Safe All Summer Long
Trucking through tornado-prone areas can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can navigate these situations safely. Remember, your safety and well-being are paramount, and it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared for any unexpected weather challenges.
By consistently checking the weather, making informed decisions about your route and stops, and knowing what actions to take if you encounter a storm, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with severe weather events. Additionally, keeping essential supplies in your truck ensures you’re ready for any situation that may arise.
Always prioritize safety over timelines or pressures to keep moving during adverse weather conditions. Taking shelter in a safe location, avoiding risky maneuvers, and staying informed about changing weather patterns are key strategies to protect yourself and your cargo.
Remember these tips and share them with fellow truckers to promote a safer driving environment for everyone. With awareness, preparedness, and a safety-focused mindset, you can stay safe and successful in your trucking endeavors throughout the summer and beyond.
Another thing you’ll have to think about in the summer months? Construction season! These tips will help you safely navigate construction season.