When Oklahoman prepare for bad weather, they tend to center themselves at home. But tornadoes don’t wait until everyone is under the same roof. 

 

Gina Peek, interim associate dean and Oklahoma State University Extension housing and consumer specialist, said it’s vital to think about road safety during storms. 

 

“The main point is that no vehicle, no matter what type, is a safe place to be during a tornado,” she said. “Even large vehicles such as SUVs and 18-wheelers are no match for the fierceness of an Oklahoma tornado. All vehicles can be blown over, picked up and tossed through the air, crushed and destroyed.” 

 

People can easily get hurt or die if their vehicles are struck by a tornado or crushed by a falling tree. The first step toward improving the odds of survival is to be alert and aware of the possibility of severe storms before getting behind the steering wheel. 

 

If there is a tornado where you are driving, Peek said guidance varies depending on your location in relation to the tornado, the immediate environment, roadside options, nearby structures, traffic and other weather conditions. If the tornado is far enough away and road options and traffic allow, you should try to find a substantial building for shelter. Once there, follow basic tornado safety guidelines of get in, get down and cover up. Businesses located alongside the road on which you are traveling, such as convenience stores and truck stops can be good sources of shelter. Take cover in an interior room. 

 

“With today’s technology, it’s much easier to keep up-to-date on weather conditions than it was even just a few years ago,” she said. “Local television stations have apps for your smartphone that let you easily stay on top of the latest weather information. Some smartphone apps use GPS technology to pull up the latest radar imagery for your phone’s specific location.”

 

She added, “However, as a safety measure, pull over to the side of the road before using your phone, unless you have a passenger with you who can use it while you drive.” 

 

A car’s radio is an important tool, too. Find a radio station broadcasting up-to-the-minute weather information. Keep in mind, however, drivers who are listening to satellite radio likely might not hear vital weather updates. Make sure you are tuned into local radio stations. 

 

Peek said drivers also should know their exact location. Radio announcers will be using town and county names, as well as names of various highways and streets, as they provide emergency guidance. 

 

“It’s important to keep in mind you should never try to outrun a tornado when you’re in your vehicle. You may be able to avoid a serious situation by getting out of its path or simply stopping and letting it pass,” she said.

 

The worst-case scenario is to be caught in a vehicle with no possible escape, a situation more likely to happen in metropolitan areas during rush hour or on interstates where it’s not possible to exit quickly and find shelter. 

 

Abandoning a vehicle to seek shelter in a ditch should be your absolute last resort, Peek said, because you expose yourself to flying debris, flooding rains, hail, lightning and high winds. However, if you have no other option but to leave your vehicle and seek shelter in a ditch, try to get far away from the vehicle, as well as any other potential flying objects.

 

Do not seek shelter under an overpass, despite what you may have seen on television. As the winds from the tornado channel under the overpass, they actually speed up, increasing the odds of getting blown out from under the overpass. You also are exposed to flying debris. 

 

“We’re in the heart of tornado season in Oklahoma and knowing what safety precautions to take while on the road could save your life,” Peek said. “Consider postponing your trip and waiting for better weather.”