Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Use low-beam headlights so drivers ahead and behind you can see you. Use fog lights if you have them. Never use high-beam headlights. High beams cause glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.
Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you in anticipation of sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, turn on your hazard lights, then look for a safe place to pull completely off the roadway and away from other vehicles.
Turn off all lights except your hazard flashing lights while parked.
Set emergency brake and take your foot off the brake pedal.
When driving into thick smoke, make sure your headlights are on.
Use low-beam headlights so drivers ahead and behind you can see you. Use fog lights if you have them. Never use high-beam headlights. High beams cause glare, making it more difficult for you to see what’s ahead of you on the road.
Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you in anticipation of sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
Do not stop in a travel lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the roadway and away from other vehicles.
Turn off all vehicle lights, including headlights and emergency flashers, while parked.
Set emergency brake and take your foot off the brake pedal.
Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt buckled and wait for the visibility to clear.
Roll up the windows. Set your fan to recirculate.
Tornado
Driving During a Tornado
If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado.
Do not try to outrun a tornado.
If you are caught by extreme winds or flying debris, park your vehicle as quickly and safely as possible completely off the roadway and away from other vehicles.
If you can, lie in a ditch that is lower than the roadway and far enough away from your car that it won’t roll on top of you. Cover your head with your hands or a coat or blanket, if available. Being lower than the level of the roadway allows the strongest winds and flying debris to pass over you. Do not lie in a ditch during heavy rainfall.
If you cannot safely exit your vehicle, stay in your vehicle with your seat belt on. Place your head below the windows and cover it with your hands and a blanket, coat, or other cushion if possible. Leave the car running so airbags can deploy if needed.
Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris.
There are no publicly-owned storm shelters along Kansas highways maintained by KDOT. KDOT rest areas are not rated as storm shelters.
The Kansas Turnpike Authority has public storm shelters at the service areas at Belle Plaine, Towanda, Matfield Green, Emporia, Topeka and Lawrence.
Slow down to allow more time to react and maintain control of the vehicle. High wind gusts surround the car affecting handling and braking. Winds may push vehicles outside their intended lane of travel
Adapt according to your vehicle. High-profile vehicles such as trucks, buses, SUVs and trailers in tow are more likely to flip when encountering side winds. Motorcycles may struggle to balance.
Anticipate winds moving from a protected area into an open space. Slow down in advance.
Be cautious if passing a vehicle, giving them plenty of space. Anticipate side winds.
Be aware of falling or blowing debris which may also be in the road causing blockage. If traveling at night slow down and make sure your lights are on.
Hold the steering wheel correctly, imagining it as a clock face. Both hands should be on the wheel at the 9 and 3 position.
If winds are preventing safe travel, move to a safe place off the road or onto the shoulder. Do not park under trees or other tall objects that could fall. Stay in your car with hazard lights on.
Although not an inclement weather event, deer rut season each fall poses a risk for motor vehicle crashes due to the movement of deer throughout the state.