Hail Storms Require Extra Caution

9/12/2010

One common source of auto insurance claims in the U.S. is hail storms, which can damage vehicles and buildings in many different regions of the country.

With that in mind, motorists have numerous public safety agencies and other entities to turn to for more information about keeping safe in a hail storm. For example, the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services advises people to stop driving and pull completely off the highway when hail begins to fall.

Since large hail stones can shatter windows and injure a vehicle's occupants, the state agency also advises people to keep the eyes of small children covered and to keep their back to the windows or their faces to the floor during the storm.

People are also advised to stay in their vehicles, since there have been a number of fatalities and serious injuries involving large hail stones.

In case a hail storm is accompanied by lightning, another safety tip is to refrain from using cell phones and electronic devices while waiting out a severe storm. Motorists should also be wary of parking under trees during serious storms because of the risk of falling branches.

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