Driving Etiquette: Thunderstorm/Highway Edition (1 Viewer)

[chauncey]

I am sitting in the empty parking lot of the Half Way Bar waiting out a thunderstorm. I got caught in a biblical downpour with hail, sideways rain, lightning, etc as I was driving down a lonesome desert highway. Part of me feels like a ##### for pulling over to wait out the storm, part of me feels like a responsible adult for being safe.

It got me thinking though, what does the ffa do when caught in a surprise storm and travelling down the highway.

Do you pull over to the shoulder? Lights on/off, emergency lights on?

Do you find an exit or place to pull off the road like a rest stop or deserted bar parking lot?

Do you speed up and pass all of the nancies who are going 35 mph in the slow lane?

If it makes a difference your destination is a good 50 miles away, visibility is minimal, and lots of semi traffic and large oil/construction trucks.

 

[Ignoramus]

Much like my love-making now that I'm older, I just slow down to a safe speed and plow on.

 

[Politician Spock]

Good opportunity to down a few more beers before finishing the trip.

 

[tri-man 47]

Yeah, I prefer to keep moving at a speed where I still feel on control (and can still stop).

 

[NCCommish]

Really depends on visibility. If I can see enough to be safe I continue on. If not I find a spot to pull over off the road. I have been in whiteout conditions in Alaska and you just stop. You literally can't see the end of your hood. No way to continue until it passes. Luckily they don't tend to last long. Heavy fog can be a literal killer as well. I prefer to live to get to where I am going these days.

When I was young I was stupid. Once rode down a mountain in the fog with no headlights by keeping up with a semi in front of me. He was really moving, it was scary as hell. Still not sure how I lived through that stupidity.

 

[Fennis]

Much like my love-making now that I'm older, I get off, take a nap and then find something to eat.

 

[Sand]

Generally like to be moving just a bit faster than the emergency light people in the right lane. That group tends to make dumb decisions in nasty storms and I find it safer to be slowly passing them.

 

[mr roboto]

I drove through Wisconsin this summer and saw some nasty dark clouds ahead. Checked the weather underground app and there was a tornado watch issued for a 20 mile stretch up ahead. Rain started coming, then the winds. At one point a semi next to me was blown off onto the shoulder. About 80% of the vehicles pulled over. Some guy in a 3/4 ton Dodge pickup flew by and I watched as he got hit with a microburst wind, hydroplaned and went into the ditch going at least 40 mph. It was so bad out it was unsafe to get out to check on him. I called 911 and they were already on the phone with another witness.

I was so sure a tornado was going to form I turned my phones video camera on. No twister but you could see from the video my parked SUV was being rocked back and forth by the gusts.

 

[chet]

Tip: Using your headlights in fog can make it harder to see. Use your fog lights instead--other cars will still be able to see you and your visibility will be better too.

 

[JaxBill]

We have plenty of heavy thunderstorms down here.

I just slow down and give more space in front of me. Don't like the emergency blinkers when driving because then you can't signal when changing lanes.

If I need to pull off, I find an exit and pull into a parking lot like the OP. Pulling off onto the shoulder in low visibility is a recipe for disaster. Not only can somebody hit you when parked but eventually you have to find a way to get back up to speed when you pull back on.

 

[JaxBill]

In Florida, it is illegal to drive with your hazard lights. Hazards lights are for stopped vehicles only, officials say.

The one situation where Florida drivers are allowed to use their hazards when in motion is when the vehicle is being used in a funeral procession .

A Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson told NewsChannel 5 that flashers are for emergency situations.

"First responders look for flashers to see if someone needs help," said an FHP spokesperson.

Law enforcement officials say hazard lights can actually reduce visibility making other drivers think you are stopped or stalled.

Other drivers writing on social media say flashers make it difficult to see when a motorist is tapping the brakes or using a turn signal.

The FHP spokesperson says if visibility is so bad that you cannot see, pull over in a parking lot, plaza or somewhere safe until conditions improve.

http://www.wptv.com/news/hazard-lights-in-the-rain-the-law-explained-to-florida-drivers

 

[[icon]]

In Florida, it is illegal to drive with your hazard lights. Hazards lights are for stopped vehicles only, officials say.

The one situation where Florida drivers are allowed to use their hazards when in motion is when the vehicle is being used in a funeral procession .

A Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson told NewsChannel 5 that flashers are for emergency situations.

"First responders look for flashers to see if someone needs help," said an FHP spokesperson.

Law enforcement officials say hazard lights can actually reduce visibility making other drivers think you are stopped or stalled.

Other drivers writing on social media say flashers make it difficult to see when a motorist is tapping the brakes or using a turn signal.

The FHP spokesperson says if visibility is so bad that you cannot see, pull over in a parking lot, plaza or somewhere safe until conditions improve.

http://www.wptv.com/news/hazard-lights-in-the-rain-the-law-explained-to-florida-drivers

I generally find a safe speed and travel in the right lane with a good bit of distance.

GDB hillbillies in F950's going 75mph in the passing lane.

 

[avoiding injuries]

I get a firm grip at 10 and 2, sit up in my seat and chuckle at the drivers with their hazards blinking as I continue on with my safe speed of travel.

Non-tough guy answer: there's been times where I wanted to pull over, but I thought it was more dangerous to be stopped on the side of a highway.

 

[MattFancy]

Was stuck in a similar situation this summer. Thought the storm was going to last a few minutes, but it just kept going. To make matters worse, my cell phone was at like 1%, so I didn't want to stop off somewhere and not be able to get ahold of my wife to tell her I was stopping until it passed through. Just slowed down to a crawl basically and just took my time getting home. Maybe wasn't the smartest of ideas, but there weren't many people on the road and I wasn't driving like an idiot.

 

[avoiding injuries]

My poor wife. If I only had 1% remaining, my concern would be stopping and only having a minute or two checking the FFA until I sat alone with my thoughts.

 

[Guest]

Got caught in a severe hail storm in eastern Colorado this summer. Pulled under an overpass along with about 10 other vehicles on each side. Dangerous situation when people tried to pull in when there was no room, and the semis just kept flying by at 70 mph.

 

[top dog]

In Florida, it is illegal to drive with your hazard lights. Hazards lights are for stopped vehicles only, officials say.

The one situation where Florida drivers are allowed to use their hazards when in motion is when the vehicle is being used in a funeral procession .

A Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson told NewsChannel 5 that flashers are for emergency situations.

"First responders look for flashers to see if someone needs help," said an FHP spokesperson.

Law enforcement officials say hazard lights can actually reduce visibility making other drivers think you are stopped or stalled.

Other drivers writing on social media say flashers make it difficult to see when a motorist is tapping the brakes or using a turn signal.

The FHP spokesperson says if visibility is so bad that you cannot see, pull over in a parking lot, plaza or somewhere safe until conditions improve.

http://www.wptv.com/news/hazard-lights-in-the-rain-the-law-explained-to-florida-drivers

I get irritated with the folks around here who throw on their hazards during a bad snow storm. Seriously guy, we know it's snowing. You don't have to put your hazards on for us to see you.

 

[larch]

Tip: Using your headlights in fog can make it harder to see. Use your fog lights instead--other cars will still be able to see you and your visibility will be better too.

Not every car has fog lamps.

 

[chauncey]

I made it back to my hotel safely, the normally 60 minute drive took me almost 2 hours with my stop and slow driving.

Unfortunately something in my engine got wet, either from the heavy rains or driving through standing water in the empty bar parking lot that I couldn't see in the dark. I was greeted with the dreaded "limp mode" when I got into town. Car seems to be okay this morning, hopefully it was a temporary problem.

Anybody got experience with limp mode?

 

[krista4]

I made it back to my hotel safely, the normally 60 minute drive took me almost 2 hours with my stop and slow driving.

Unfortunately something in my engine got wet, either from the heavy rains or driving through standing water in the empty bar parking lot that I couldn't see in the dark. I was greeted with the dreaded "limp mode" when I got into town. Car seems to be okay this morning, hopefully it was a temporary problem.

Anybody got experience with limp mode?

Is it much like Ignoramus's love-making now that he's older?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I made it back to my hotel safely, the normally 60 minute drive took me almost 2 hours with my stop and slow driving.

Unfortunately something in my engine got wet, either from the heavy rains or driving through standing water in the empty bar parking lot that I couldn't see in the dark. I was greeted with the dreaded "limp mode" when I got into town. Car seems to be okay this morning, hopefully it was a temporary problem.

Anybody got experience with limp mode?

Is it much like Ignoramus's love-making now that he's older?

Over hydration instead of dehydration?

 

[Ditka Butkus]

Much like my love making now that I'm older. I turn the wheel over to my wife and let her drive while I lay back and relax.

 

[top dog]

I made it back to my hotel safely, the normally 60 minute drive took me almost 2 hours with my stop and slow driving.

Unfortunately something in my engine got wet, either from the heavy rains or driving through standing water in the empty bar parking lot that I couldn't see in the dark. I was greeted with the dreaded "limp mode" when I got into town. Car seems to be okay this morning, hopefully it was a temporary problem.

Anybody got experience with limp mode?

Your plug wires may be getting old. Or your ignition coil. Moisture can cause some issues there. Just be grateful the water wasn't high enough to go in your intake. That = game over.

 

[TheIronSheik]

I hate people who use hazards when they are driving slow. I see people use them in conjunction with braking, too, in rush hour. Stop it. It's dumb and is confusing to others.

As far as the question by the OP, the way I've always heard it is either slow down or get off at an exit and stop. Don't stop on the highway. It's dangerous for both you and anyone else driving in low visibility. Lights should come on in the rain. They are not for you to see better, but for others to see you better, both in front and behind you.

 

[Cjw_55106]

If I can see, I keep driving. Obviously not at the posted speeds, but I dont pull over often.

 

[tommyboy]

i have only pulled off the road once in my life because i couldn't see and i was getting vertigo in a fog that was so thick i couldn't see 2 feet.

 

[El Floppo]

Tip: Using your headlights in fog can make it harder to see. Use your fog lights instead--other cars will still be able to see you and your visibility will be better too.

Not every car has fog lamps.

what about a fog horn? you must have a fog horn at least.

 

[El Floppo]

i have only pulled off the road once in my life because i couldn't see and i was getting vertigo in a fog that was so thick i couldn't see 2 feet.

I grew up near SFin a place that would get thick with fog. One time driving down the main road (windy, down a steep hill) to my parent's house- even though I'd driven it hundreds/thousands of times and thought I could do it blindfolded... as I made one of the winding turns where I thought the turn was, all of a sudden I feel the road divider dots. ended up driving by braille using those things to get me home. couldn't see the end of my hood.

but in regards to the OP...

I've only pulled over once- in HI during a massive rainstorm where we again couldn't see past the hood. Other than that, I slow down to a speed where I can control things quickly if I need to.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Also, as a side note:

If you are ever encountering a tornado, DO NOT hide below an underpass. There was a video back in the 90's where a group of people did this and people showed the video claiming that they were saved by their quick thinking. This is FALSE. They were extremely lucky. An underpass acts like a wind tunnel and will actually force winds to be much more powerful and stronger. Many people have been killed trying to do what those people in the video did and they may have survived if they had just laid down in a ditch by the side of the road.

 

[El Floppo]

Also, as a side note:

If you are ever encountering a tornado, DO NOT hide below an underpass. There was a video back in the 90's where a group of people did this and people showed the video claiming that they were saved by their quick thinking. This is FALSE. They were extremely lucky. An underpass acts like a wind tunnel and will actually force winds to be much more powerful and stronger. Many people have been killed trying to do what those people in the video did and they may have survived if they had just laid down in a ditch by the side of the road.

I'm lying in a ditch by the side of the road RIGHT NOW!

 

[glock]

If I need to pull off, I find an exit and pull into a parking lot like the OP.

 

[Fat Nick]

I get a firm grip at 10 and 2, sit up in my seat and chuckle at the drivers with their hazards blinking as I continue on with my safe speed of travel.

Non-tough guy answer: there's been times where I wanted to pull over, but I thought it was more dangerous to be stopped on the side of a highway.

I hate people who use hazards when they are driving slow. I see people use them in conjunction with braking, too, in rush hour. Stop it. It's dumb and is confusing to others.

As far as the question by the OP, the way I've always heard it is either slow down or get off at an exit and stop. Don't stop on the highway. It's dangerous for both you and anyone else driving in low visibility. Lights should come on in the rain. They are not for you to see better, but for others to see you better, both in front and behind you.

You won't catch me stopping on the side of the highway for pretty much anything. I think pulling onto the side of the highway is one of the most dangerous things a person can do in a car. I told my wife flat out that if she ever gets a flat tire, rid on the rim until you get to an exit. I don't care if it ruins the rim. She knows how to change it...but I don't want her doing it on the side of the highway. I've seen too many people sway more than far enough over the line to take out a person.

Re. hazards - Driving with them on is dumb, and as pointed out, illegal in a lot of states. 99% of the time, I have no clue why people even have them on. With that said, If I'm at a dead stop or coming upon dead-stopped traffic, and the guy behind me is a ways back (i.e. could close with some speed), I'll flick mine on for a few blinks just to say, "I know you see brake lights, but just FYI, this is a full-stop situation." Never done it in general traffic...For me it's usually while driving on the PA Turnpike late at night and coming upon construction or something that has an otherwise open highway stopped.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

i have only pulled off the road once in my life because i couldn't see and i was getting vertigo in a fog that was so thick i couldn't see 2 feet.

Tule/radiation fog is no joke.

 

[roadkill1292]

I really don't like the denizens of this forum telling me how I should drive.

 

[JaxBill]

If I need to pull off, I find an exit and pull into a parking lot like the OP.

What? I'll use an exit and make an unplanned stop but i will NOT stop on the shoulder.

 

[glock]

If I need to pull off, I find an exit and pull into a parking lot like the OP.

What? I'll use an exit and make an unplanned stop but i will NOT stop on the shoulder.

Nevermind...

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Tip: Using your headlights in fog can make it harder to see. Use your fog lights instead--other cars will still be able to see you and your visibility will be better too.

Not every car has fog lamps.

what about a fog horn? you must have a fog horn at least.

You had to ask. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1cyji_foghorn-leghorn-1956-weasel-stop_fun

 

[Ignoramus]

I made it back to my hotel safely, the normally 60 minute drive took me almost 2 hours with my stop and slow driving.

Unfortunately something in my engine got wet, either from the heavy rains or driving through standing water in the empty bar parking lot that I couldn't see in the dark. I was greeted with the dreaded "limp mode" when I got into town. Car seems to be okay this morning, hopefully it was a temporary problem.

Anybody got experience with limp mode?

Is it much like Ignoramus's love-making now that he's older?

I've got your limp mode ri... Wait a minute...

 

[TheIronSheik]

I get a firm grip at 10 and 2, sit up in my seat and chuckle at the drivers with their hazards blinking as I continue on with my safe speed of travel.

Non-tough guy answer: there's been times where I wanted to pull over, but I thought it was more dangerous to be stopped on the side of a highway.

I hate people who use hazards when they are driving slow. I see people use them in conjunction with braking, too, in rush hour. Stop it. It's dumb and is confusing to others.

As far as the question by the OP, the way I've always heard it is either slow down or get off at an exit and stop. Don't stop on the highway. It's dangerous for both you and anyone else driving in low visibility. Lights should come on in the rain. They are not for you to see better, but for others to see you better, both in front and behind you.

You won't catch me stopping on the side of the highway for pretty much anything. I think pulling onto the side of the highway is one of the most dangerous things a person can do in a car. I told my wife flat out that if she ever gets a flat tire, rid on the rim until you get to an exit. I don't care if it ruins the rim. She knows how to change it...but I don't want her doing it on the side of the highway. I've seen too many people sway more than far enough over the line to take out a person.

Re. hazards - Driving with them on is dumb, and as pointed out, illegal in a lot of states. 99% of the time, I have no clue why people even have them on. With that said, If I'm at a dead stop or coming upon dead-stopped traffic, and the guy behind me is a ways back (i.e. could close with some speed), I'll flick mine on for a few blinks just to say, "I know you see brake lights, but just FYI, this is a full-stop situation." Never done it in general traffic...For me it's usually while driving on the PA Turnpike late at night and coming upon construction or something that has an otherwise open highway stopped.

In this situation, I will tap/pump my brakes so that the actual brake lights blink on and off.

 

[Fat Nick]

I get a firm grip at 10 and 2, sit up in my seat and chuckle at the drivers with their hazards blinking as I continue on with my safe speed of travel.

Non-tough guy answer: there's been times where I wanted to pull over, but I thought it was more dangerous to be stopped on the side of a highway.

I hate people who use hazards when they are driving slow. I see people use them in conjunction with braking, too, in rush hour. Stop it. It's dumb and is confusing to others.

As far as the question by the OP, the way I've always heard it is either slow down or get off at an exit and stop. Don't stop on the highway. It's dangerous for both you and anyone else driving in low visibility. Lights should come on in the rain. They are not for you to see better, but for others to see you better, both in front and behind you.

You won't catch me stopping on the side of the highway for pretty much anything. I think pulling onto the side of the highway is one of the most dangerous things a person can do in a car. I told my wife flat out that if she ever gets a flat tire, rid on the rim until you get to an exit. I don't care if it ruins the rim. She knows how to change it...but I don't want her doing it on the side of the highway. I've seen too many people sway more than far enough over the line to take out a person.

Re. hazards - Driving with them on is dumb, and as pointed out, illegal in a lot of states. 99% of the time, I have no clue why people even have them on. With that said, If I'm at a dead stop or coming upon dead-stopped traffic, and the guy behind me is a ways back (i.e. could close with some speed), I'll flick mine on for a few blinks just to say, "I know you see brake lights, but just FYI, this is a full-stop situation." Never done it in general traffic...For me it's usually while driving on the PA Turnpike late at night and coming upon construction or something that has an otherwise open highway stopped.

In this situation, I will tap/pump my brakes so that the actual brake lights blink on and off.

That's my typical move in 90% of the crap you come across while driving/stopping (i.e. school buses in the AM, etc). The Hazards are just for like major back-up's.

 

[Mr.Pack]

Tip: Using your headlights in fog can make it harder to see. Use your fog lights instead--other cars will still be able to see you and your visibility will be better too.

Foglights are great for people coming at you, but driving behind someone is a real treat because you can't see the car until they hit the brakes.