Cars and Quakes
What to do when the earth shakes while you’re driving
THE problem with earthquakes is that you can never tell when they would strike. Chances are, you could be inside your car when the earth shakes, and depending on how strong the quake is, you might even mistake the shaking as no different from running over really bad roads.
The key is awareness and presence of mind, should the unexpected happen. The US Geological Survey (USGS) provides crucial tips on what do do when you’re on the road during a tremor.
* If you are DRIVING — stop, but carefully.
* Move your car as far out of traffic as possible.
* DO NOT stop on or under a bridge or overpass or under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs.
* STAY INSIDE your car until the shaking stops.
* When you RESUME driving watch for breaks in the pavement, fallen rocks, and bumps in the road at bridge approaches.
* If you are in a MOUNTAINOUS AREA — watch out for falling rocks, landslides, trees, and other debris that could be loosened by quakes.
Got insurance?
Not all car insurance policies cover “acts of God,” such as flooding and earthquakes. In light of the frequent natural disasters that have come lately, it is advisable for vehicle owners to check if their car insurance policy has such coverage, which are considered optional outside the “standard” insurance programs for vehicles.
