Experiencing an earthquake while driving demands an immediate, measured response. Seismic waves traveling through the ground can make controlling a vehicle difficult, creating a hazardous situation for drivers. Knowing the proper safety procedures for this scenario is the best defense against injury and minimizes the risk you face. Taking the right steps as soon as the first shaking is felt is paramount to ensuring your personal safety.
The Immediate Response: Pulling Over Safely
The first indication of an earthquake while driving should prompt you to slow your vehicle down gradually and activate your hazard lights. Your goal is to stop safely and avoid causing a collision with other vehicles that may also be reacting to the shaking. Braking suddenly on a road surface destabilized by seismic waves increases the risk of a skid or a rear-end accident.
You must begin looking for a clear, open area to pull over, moving your vehicle to the side of the road or shoulder as quickly as conditions allow. Once you have found a spot, safely pull over and set the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling during the intense ground motion. Turning off the engine is recommended once you are fully stopped and secured.
Assessing Your Location and Staying Put
After stopping, assess your immediate surroundings for any overhead hazards that could collapse onto your vehicle. Avoid parking directly under overpasses, bridges, tunnels, large highway signs, or power lines, as these structures are susceptible to seismic damage and collapse. If you are driving in a mountainous area, avoid stopping near steep hillsides or cliffs, which are prone to rock slides and landslides. If you have stopped in a high-risk location, you must keep driving until you find an open area away from these vulnerable structures.
Once you are in a safe location, remain inside your vehicle with your seatbelt securely fastened until the shaking has ceased. The car’s metal frame and roof provide a protective shell against small falling debris and glass, offering better cover than attempting to run on foot. Only exit the vehicle if staying inside poses an immediate threat, such as being directly under an unstable, visibly cracking structure or near a major gas leak. If a power line has fallen directly onto your vehicle, stay put and wait for emergency personnel to arrive, as the car’s rubber tires can insulate you from electrocution.
While waiting, tune your car radio to an emergency broadcast station for official instructions and updates. Keeping non-emergency phone calls to a minimum helps keep wireless communication lines open for emergency services. Remaining covered inside is the safest course of action.
Post-Quake Procedures and Road Hazards
Once the seismic activity has fully subsided, survey your car and the surrounding area before attempting to move. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries before inspecting your vehicle for damage that may affect its operation, such as flat tires or fluid leaks. If it is safe to proceed, you must drive with caution, as aftershocks may occur, and the road infrastructure may be compromised.
Keep a vigilant eye out for road hazards, including cracked or shifted pavement, large fissures, and fallen debris from structures or trees. Treat any inoperable traffic lights as a four-way stop, and be prepared for confused or distracted drivers. Avoid driving over bridges, ramps, or overpasses until official sources have confirmed their structural integrity, as these elevated structures are often the first to sustain damage.
If you encounter downed power lines, never drive over them, as they could still be energized and pose an electrical hazard. Only drive if necessary to reach a safe location or to get out of the way of emergency responders. Keeping the streets clear of non-essential traffic allows emergency vehicles to reach those in need.