Tips for drivers when a hailstorm hits

With the start of summer, various parts of the country have already received weather warnings for hail.

While there have been storms about, the tennis-ball sized hailstones that we have seen in SA in previous years have not made a dreaded appearance yet.

MasterDrive managing director Eugene Herbert says hailstorms present quite a challenge for drivers as well.

“The best advice anyone can give you is to simply stay off the roads during a hailstorm.

“This, however, is not always possible if you’re already on the road when a storm descends.”

There are certain steps you can take to protect both yourself and minimise damage to your car in these instances, Herbert says.

What to do if you drive through a hailstorm:

● Follow weather alerts, listen to the radio and listen to hail alerts issued by insurance companies before driving.

● If a storm is imminent, avoid driving through it if you can.

● If you are already on the road, find a safe covered area to wait until the storm passes.

● A tree will never provide adequate protection. It, along with items like power lines, can cause more damage if it falls.

● If you continue driving, you increase the force with which the hail hits your car.

● Never get out of your vehicle. If the hail is large enough it can cause serious injury or a fatality.

● If you are on the highway, try exiting it before the hail gets too bad. If you are forced to stop, the highway is very dangerous place to do so.

● Use your discretion when using emergency lights. Theoretically, emergency lights are there to indicate a stationary car. If you use emergency lights while moving, it can create confusion.

● If, however, visibility is reduced to such a degree that you cannot see beyond a few feet in front of you, emergency lights are a necessity.

● Avoid stopping near low-lying areas which can be affected by fast-rising water.

● Slow down.

● Increase following distances by three times the normal amount.

● Switch on your headlights – daytime running lights are not sufficient or adequate.

● If your windscreen is damaged, do not (unless absolutely necessary) attempt to drive with it like that. Rather call for assistance.

● Check the rest of your car for damage that could make driving dangerous, before starting again.