Spring storms and flooding can quickly make roads dangerous. Flooding causes more deaths each year than any other thunderstorm hazard, mostly because people underestimate the power of water. Over half of flood deaths happen in vehicles, often when drivers ignore barriers and try to cross flooded roads. Even large vehicles can be swept away by strong currents.

Check current weather and flood conditions at www.weather.gov.

If you see a flooded road, turn around—never try to cross. You can’t tell how deep the water is or if the road is safe underneath.

• If flooding occurs, move to higher ground. Avoid low areas like dips and washes.

• Never try to cross fast-moving water. Avoid already flooded areas. Turn Around Don’t Drown.

• Floodwaters may hide washed-out roads. Never drive through flooded areas. If your vehicle is caught in rising water, get out and move to higher ground.

• Don’t park near streams or washes during storms.

• Be extra careful at night when flood dangers are harder to see.

• Avoid driving through low water crossings.

• Use alternate routes to avoid flooded areas.

• If your vehicle stalls in floodwater, get out right away.

• Move to higher ground if safe.

• Cars and light trucks can float in just 1–2 feet of water.

Tornado

Don’t drive during tornadoes.

Never try to outdrive a tornado. Tornadoes can change direction and lift vehicles.

Get out of your vehicle and find shelter in a building.

If you can’t get inside, lie in a ditch or low spot away from your vehicle. Overpasses may offer some shelter, but watch for flooding.

Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning

Listen to the radio for storm updates.

If you see or hear about a tornado, don’t try to outrun it. Follow tornado safety tips.

Use headlights and slow down in rain. Many states require headlights during rain.

Leave extra space for braking.

Avoid driving unless necessary.

Pull onto the shoulder, away from trees that could fall.

Stay in the car and use emergency flashers until the rain eases.

A car protects you from lightning better than being outside.

Avoid touching metal surfaces in your car during lightning.

Avoid flooded roads.

Stay away from downed power lines.

Check your wipers and tires regularly for severe weather.

Approach intersections carefully.

Treat broken traffic lights as stop signs.

Motorist awareness is key for motorcycle safety. Over two-thirds of fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Often, drivers don’t see motorcycles in time to avoid a crash.

Drivers’ actions affect motorcyclist safety. Debris that’s minor for a car can be deadly for a motorcyclist.

International Roadcheck is an annual three-day event during which CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement, and educational initiatives focused on motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety.

It is the largest targeted enforcement program for commercial motor vehicles in the world, with nearly 15 trucks and motorcoaches inspected every minute across North America during the 72-hour period.

Since its inception in 1988, more than 1.8 million roadside inspections have been conducted during International Roadcheck. This event also provides an opportunity to educate the industry and the public on the importance of safe commercial motor vehicle operations and the roadside inspection program.

CVSA sponsors International Roadcheck in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation.

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC hosted 18 safety seminars in 2025. We are getting ready for the next sessions in the Fall of 2026. The one-day seminars will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides valuable information applicable for both novice and experienced transportation professionals.

Upcoming Fall seminars confirmed:

👉 Register here:

http://www.idealease.com/safety-seminar-registration