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 2026-10-07
During typhoon weather, the core safety principle is "do not travel unless absolutely necessary." If you must drive due to an emergency, base your actions on the school suspension and work stoppage warnings issued by local authorities, and strictly follow the defensive driving guidelines below.
Mandatory Pre-Departure Checks and Environmental Assessment
Before starting the engine, conduct a visual risk assessment of your surroundings. If you observe trees shaking violently, billboards swaying significantly, or road积水 (standing water) overflowing curbs, it is advisable to cancel your trip immediately. If travel is unavoidable, ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition: check if the wiper blades are worn out to ensure they can clear rain quickly; confirm that tire pressure is normal and tread depth is sufficient to guarantee grip on wet surfaces. Additionally, clear fog from windows and side mirrors to ensure blind-spot-free visibility. It is recommended to fully charge your phone in advance and save emergency rescue numbers. Remember, visibility is extremely low during typhoons, and neglecting vehicle conditions can become a fatal hazard.
Defensive Driving Practices on the Road
Once on the road, "speed control" and "anticipation" are key to survival. The friction coefficient of wet roads drops sharply, potentially doubling braking distances. Therefore, reduce your speed by at least 50% compared to normal conditions and maintain a safe following distance of more than twice the usual amount.
- Light Usage: Turn on low-beam headlights and front/rear fog lights to enhance your visibility to others. Use hazard lights only when visibility is below 100 meters or if your vehicle has broken down and stopped, to avoid confusing following drivers about your turning intentions.
- Crosswind Handling: Strong crosswinds may cause the steering wheel to shake or drift. Grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands and make minor corrections. Never jerk the steering wheel or brake suddenly, as this may cause loss of control or skidding.
- Avoid High-Risk Targets: Keep a safe distance from large trucks, container vehicles, and buses, as their large surface areas make them prone to tipping over or lateral displacement. Also, avoid driving under billboards, large trees, and temporary fences that may collapse.
Water Crossing Prohibitions and Emergency Evasion Strategies
Flooded sections are the highest-risk areas for driving during typhoons. Follow the principle of "do not proceed if the depth is unknown." If the water depth exceeds half the tire height or approaches the exhaust pipe level, do not attempt to drive through. If crossing is unavoidable, shift to a low gear, maintain steady throttle input, and pass through at a constant speed. Do not stop, change gears, or release the throttle midway, to prevent exhaust backflow from stalling the engine.
If the engine stalls in water, absolutely do not restart the engine. Restarting can cause severe engine damage (typically not covered by insurance) and may lead to fires due to electrical short circuits. Immediately unlock the doors, assess the surrounding water levels, and quickly evacuate to higher ground or a sturdy building. If strong winds make the vehicle difficult to control, or if landslides or fallen trees appear ahead, immediately find an open, elevated safe area to stop. Turn on hazard lights, evacuate quickly, and do not stay in the vehicle to avoid being hit by falling objects or swept away by floodwaters.
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This article is original educational content from TyphoonSays. Please refer to the latest official announcements from local governments for policy standards.