What to Do If You Must Drive During a Typhoon? Key Points for Safe Driving
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Transportation to · 更新 at 2026-07-17
During typhoon weather, the safest approach is always "do not travel unless absolutely necessary." According to the national standard for tropical cyclone classification by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), when wind forces reach certain levels (such as typhoon intensity or higher), destructive power increases significantly. Although specific warning signal standards for school and work suspensions may vary by region—subject to local government announcements—regardless of your location, if you must drive due to an emergency, please remain highly vigilant and strictly follow the safety driving points below.
Pre-departure Risk Assessment and Vehicle Inspection
Before starting the engine, assess road conditions and wind strength. If trees outside are shaking violently, billboards are swaying, or water has already overflowed onto the roads, it is advisable to postpone your trip. If departure is unavoidable, ensure your vehicle is in good condition: check that the wipers can effectively clear rainwater, confirm that tire pressure is normal and tread depth is sufficient to prevent skidding. Additionally, clear fog from windows and rearview mirrors to ensure clear visibility. It is recommended to fully charge your mobile phone and have emergency contact numbers ready for assistance in case of emergencies. Remember, do not be overconfident; visibility during typhoons is extremely low, and any negligence can lead to serious accidents.
Core Driving Techniques on the Road
Once on the road, "slow" is the primary principle. Rain reduces the friction coefficient of the road surface, doubling braking distances. Therefore, reduce your speed by at least half compared to normal conditions and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead that is at least twice the usual distance.
- Proper Use of Lights: Turn on low-beam headlights and fog lights to increase your visibility. Unless visibility is extremely low (e.g., less than 100 meters), use hazard lights cautiously to avoid misleading following vehicles about your driving intentions.
- Smooth Control: Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns, and rapid acceleration. Steer gently to prevent vehicle skidding. If strong winds cause the steering wheel to vibrate, grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands and make minor adjustments; do not jerk the steering wheel to correct direction.
- Avoid Hazardous Areas: Stay away from large trucks and buses as much as possible, as their large surface areas make them prone to tipping over or shifting. Also, avoid areas under billboards, large trees, and temporary structures that may collapse.
Driving Through Water and Emergency Evasion
Encountering flooded sections is the greatest risk when driving during a typhoon. First, observe the depth of the water. If the water level exceeds half the tire height or submerges the exhaust pipe, do not attempt to force through. If crossing is unavoidable, shift to a low gear, maintain steady throttle, and proceed at a constant speed without stopping or changing gears midway to prevent stalling. If the engine stalls in water, absolutely do not restart the engine, as this can cause severe engine damage and may result in insurance claim denial. In such cases, immediately evacuate the vehicle to a safe area.
If winds become too strong to control the vehicle, or if landslides or fallen trees block the road ahead, immediately find an open, elevated area to park and take shelter. Turn on hazard warning lights, and quickly evacuate personnel to sturdy buildings. Do not stay in the vehicle to avoid being hit by falling objects or having the vehicle swept away by floodwaters.
Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is typhoonsay's original copy content, and the local policy standards are based on the local government's latest release.