Staying Safe on Illinois Roadways During Inclement Weather

Spring storms can be unpredictable and dangerous, causing a significant number of injuries and fatalities each year. This past Monday in central Illinois high winds stirred up a wall of dust from local farm fields that engulfed a stretch of busy highway in less than ten minutes. The dust cloud’s intensity even caked the insides of vehicles in layers of dirt. Some vehicles were able to brake safely and pull to the side of the road, but many did not. This rather unusual weather in central Illinois led to a 72-car pile-up on a busy stretch of I-55 about 75 miles north of St. Louis and just south of Springfield.

We’ve seen the devasting impact that severe weather can have as temperatures get warmer outside. Here are some tips following the “K.A.T.Z.” method to help you stay safe on Illinois roadways during spring storms:

• Keep an emergency kit with essential supplies such as a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water and a backup cell phone battery in your vehicle.
• Avoid standing water and areas with low visibility. Never attempt to drive your vehicle through a flooded roadway. This can be extremely dangerous, as the water may be deeper than it appears. Also, if you are unable to see the car in front of you due to weather conditions, odds are the car behind you cannot see your vehicle either.
• Trust the weather reports. Pay attention to the up-to-date weather forecasts and always be mindful of storm watches, warnings and advisories in your area. All smart phones come with a built in weather app. Use it!
• Zero in on the safest place to move your vehicle in the event of a “freak storm.” Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road and stop. Make sure you are away from any trees or other tall objects that could fall on the vehicle. Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the dangerous weather subsides or until visibility improves.

When in doubt, Don’t Go Out! Try to avoid getting in a motor vehicle during any sort of storm or inclement weather if you can.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of those around you during spring storms. Remember, it’s always better to be prepared and take precautions than to risk injury to yourself or others!

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a Warning, Watch, Advisory or Outlook? Click here to read the full explanation from the National Weather Service!