Heavy summer thunderstorms can put drivers in dangerous situations. If you heed a few tips, you have a good chance of getting through the storm safely.
In the summer months unusually heavy heavy rain falls in Germany from time to time. What the floods can do has become alarmingly evident in the past year Ahr Valley shown. Such weather conditions are also treacherous for drivers. Unexpected heavy rain with lightning and thunder brings with it several dangers.
slow down
If there are sudden thunderstorms in summer, the water masses significantly limit the view for drivers. It often takes several seconds for the wipers to create more clarity again. Accordingly, if heavy rain suddenly sets in, you should slow down and slow down. If there is heavy spray, the safety distance to the vehicle in front must also be increased and the lights on the vehicle must also be switched on during the day. To prevent the windshield from fogging up from the inside, it is advisable to turn up the heating/air conditioning and fan.
In addition, we recommend aligning the ventilation nozzles to the windscreen. If other ventilation nozzles are closed, the wind also blows more strongly against the pane. Especially with an automatic climate control there is a button that activates a mode for quick defog. However, if the amount of water massively obstructs the view, it may be advisable to stop at a suitable place. Parking and rest areas are suitable for this on motorways, but not the emergency lane.
Driving becomes particularly dangerous when heavy rainfall provokes aquaplaning. If large puddles form in dips and ruts, the tires can lose contact with the road surface there, causing the vehicle to float. At this point you should disengage the clutch and avoid hectic steering or braking manoeuvres. These can lead to serious accidents when the car gets grippy road under the wheels again. If you drive slowly and avoid deep ruts, you usually have a good chance of getting through the storm without aquaplaning.
Safe from lightning
If there is thunder and lightning in addition to the downpour, many people get scared. Thanks to the "Faraday cage" principle, the car is a safe place in the event of a lightning strike. The electricity is conducted to the ground via the metal structure of the body without endangering the occupants.
Summer thunderstorms are often accompanied by strong storms. Here it is also advisable to drive to a parking lot in order to avoid flying branches or the like. Strong side winds are also a danger, especially in larger cars, vehicles with bodies or very light models. These should always be taken into account before crossing a bridge or driving through forest aisles. Overtaking such vehicles should also be carefully considered in strong winds.
Not through too deep water
In the event of heavy rain, crossing underpasses can also become dangerous. Floods can accumulate here and trigger sudden flooding. Ideally, you avoid flooded sections, because it is not always possible to estimate how high the water really is. What looks like a big puddle can become a trap for the car.
Heavy summer thunderstorms can cause damage to the car. This usually covers partial and fully comprehensive motor vehicle insurance. Hail, storm, lightning, flood or damage from falling branches are also insured. If damage occurs, the driver should document this and contact his insurance company as soon as possible.
