Road Safety Tip: Driving Safely During a Power Outage

January 19th, 2014  |  Insurance

To be a safe driver you need to be prepared to drive during any conditions and sometimes this means driving during a power outage in your area. Power outages happen from time to time, and in most cases, they are a result of a storm or poor weather conditions such as high winds, freezing rain, or a significant snow fall. When they do occur, you need to adjust your driving habits and be extra cautious. Power outages, especially in poor weather conditions can be a recipe for disaster.

Tips for Driving Safely During a Power Outage

While your best action is to choose not to drive during a power outage, sometimes it cannot be avoided. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind if you must drive during a power outage:

• Slow down and keep your head on a swivel: Dark conditions, poor weather and limited visibility make it necessary for you to not only slow down, but be on high alert. Keep focused on the road at all times and be ready for anything, especially at night.
• Be extra cautions at intersections: One of the most dangerous things about power outages is that they often lead to traffic lights being out. Approach intersections with extreme caution. When it is your turn to proceed through the intersection, make eye contact with other drivers and proceed with caution.
• Watch out for debris: Power outages and storm conditions often create debris. Watch out for down power lines, tree branches, and other debris that could be on the road and cause damage to your car.

How do you adjust your driving habits during power outages? Do you just stay home? What road safety tips can you offer to other drivers?