Hailstorms can start very quickly without giving any warnings.
The best and only thing to do is to be prepared and for when driving into hailstorms by following these tips. Here’s what to do if you drive into a hailstorm:
Keep an eye on the weather. While it is difficult to accurately predict a hailstorm, they are most commonly associated with severe weather such as tornadoes and thunderstorms. Check your local newspaper or weather channel for the daily forecast, and plan your schedules accordingly in the event of severe weather.
Stay inside the vehicle. Hail falls at fast speeds, and it can cause injury to those in its path.
Stop driving and pull to a safe place so hail doesn’t break the windshield or any windows — driving compounds hail’s impact with your car. Stop under an overpass, and don’t forget to pull out of traffic lanes and onto a shoulder. Avoid ditches due to possible high-rising water. Motorists should pull off to the side of the road, away from trees or other areas where debris could fall, and stay undercover until the storm has passed.
Keep your car angled so the hail is hitting the front of your car. Windshields are reinforced to withstand forward driving and pelting objects. Side windows and backglass are not, so they’re much more susceptible to breakage.
Lie down, if possible, and keep your back to the windows. If you have a blanket, cover yourself with it to prevent possible debris from hitting you.
