Extreme Driving!

Even though earthquakes are rare, they do occur. And they often occur with no warning at all, catching motorists off guard. If you’re in an area where earthquakes may occur, train your workers how to stay safe on the road—even when it’s shaking.

What to Do in Case of Earthquake

Earthquakes occur suddenly, without warning, which is one of the features that make them so hazardous. On the road, it’s hard to control a vehicle while the earth is shaking. Remind workers that they could also be driving into road damage and that other drivers may panic.

Give them these precautions to follow if they are ever driving when an earthquake hits:

• Slow down gradually, pull over to the side of the road, and shut off the engine.
• Don’t stop near objects that could fall on you. Don’t stop near trees, power lines, lampposts, buildings, or other such objects. Also, don’t stop on or under bridges and overpasses.
• Watch out for mud or rock slides. Be careful where you park your vehicle in areas where mud or rock slides occur. Position yourself out of danger in case a slide occurs.
• Stay in your car until shaking stops, and keep your seat belt fastened. Listen to your radio for emergency reports and instructions.

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One of the most important things to keep in mind if you are caught driving during an earthquake is that other drivers may panic. In fact, several of them may panic at the same time, thus making the roadway very hazardous.

Remain alert not only to your own circumstances but also to what other drivers are doing. Try to get your vehicle into a safe location and remain there until the quake is over.

The above information comes from BLR’s "Extreme Weather Driving" PowerPoint® training presentation. For information about other BLR’s PowerPoint® training sessions, click here.

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Why It Matters

• Earthquakes can occur at any time of the year.
• Earthquakes can cause buildings and bridges to collapse; disrupt gas, electric, and phone service; and trigger landslides, avalanches, flash floods, fires, and tsunamis.
• Earthquakes may cause deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related injuries result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects as a result of the ground shaking, or people trying to move more than a few feet during the shaking.