While spring is a beautiful time of year, it also brings dangerous tornados to the Midwest. Tornados are capable of producing winds that rotate over 300 mph. They are strong enough to topple buildings, kill livestock, throw large debris in the air, and take the lives of people.
The personal injury attorneys of Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys want drivers to remember these important tornado safety tips during a deadly storm.
“When you are in your automobile during a tornado, it’s extremely important to know how to protect yourself,” Scott Mann explains, personal injury attorney. “If you can see the tornado at a distance from the road, compare the tornado’s movement to a tree or telephone pole. If it’s not moving directly toward you, then you can move away from it by driving in right angles. If the tornado is moving toward you, however, do not try and outrun it.”
When a tornado is moving toward your automobile, then you must find shelter immediately. Pull over and find protection within a sturdy building. If a gas station, restaurant, or rest stop is unavailable, then your next best choice is a ditch away from the road. Lay as flat as possible and cover your head from flying debris. Under no circumstances should you hide underneath your car or an overpass. Because of their construction, an overpass acts as a wind funnel which can make them collapse during a tornado.
“If there’s a tornado heading toward your city or town, do not get in your car to outrun it,” says Mike Wyatt, personal injury attorney. “Tornados can travel over 60 mph on the ground and are unpredictable in the route they take. It’s better to seek immediate protection in your storm shelter. You do not want to get stuck in traffic while the tornado bears down on your vehicle.”
Pull over as soon as possible if a tornado is on top of your automobile. Don’t get out of your car. Stay inside and crouch on the floor away from all windows. To learn more about tornado road safety, please call the personal injury attorneys of Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys.