Shake-proofing your Commute: Road Safety Tips During Earthquakes
Article by Sana’a Khasawneh
Emergency preparedness is essential to ensuring the safety of individuals and communities. It involves taking steps to prepare for natural disasters and other unexpected events that could cause harm to people and property. Last week, a devastating earthquake hit South Turkey, Northern Syria, and other countries in the Middle East which left thousands of fatalities and injuries and tens of thousands with nowhere to stay.
Through this blog post, we would like to offer condolences to our members in the affected areas by presenting some tips on how to act in case an earthquake happens in your region. I live in Jordan and could feel the tremors in my city.
Earthquakes are not very common in my region and people are not trained to deal with these natural disasters. The infrastructure in the country was not designed to protect people and we do not have an emergency plan to implement and follow during times like this. Emergency preparedness is a crucial aspect of ensuring road safety. By being prepared for emergencies, drivers can minimize the impact of potential crashes and protect themselves and their passengers.
Photo from Daily Sabah
Like other natural disasters, earthquakes can strike without warning. It can cause significant damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, which can lead to injuries or even death. Being prepared and knowing how to stay safe during an earthquake is crucial, especially if you are on the road. Road safety during an earthquake is essential to avoid crashes and injuries. Here are some tips on how to stay safe on the road during an earthquake:
Pull over and stop the vehicle: The first thing you should do when you feel an earthquake while driving is to pull over and stop the vehicle in a safe place. Avoid stopping under bridges, overpasses, or near buildings or utility poles. You should also turn off the engine and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.
Stay in the vehicle: Stay in the vehicle during the earthquake and do not attempt to get out. If you are on a bridge or overpass, you should stay in your vehicle and wait for the shaking to stop.
Avoid stopping near buildings or other structures: If you are driving in an area with many buildings or structures, avoid stopping near them during an earthquake. Buildings can collapse, and debris can fall on your car, causing serious injury or death.
Use seat belts: Make sure that you and your passengers are wearing seat belts. This will help keep you and your passengers safe in case of a crash.
Stay alert and aware of your surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings while driving during an earthquake. Be on the lookout for any hazards, such as downed power lines or falling debris. Keep your eyes on the road, and do not use your phone while driving.
Be prepared: It's essential to be prepared for an earthquake while on the road. Keep a supply of water, food, and a first-aid kit in your vehicle. If you are traveling in an earthquake-prone area, consider carrying a fire extinguisher and a flashlight in your car.
Check for damage after the earthquake: After the earthquake, check your vehicle for damage before driving. Make sure that your car is safe to drive and that there are no leaks or structural damage.
Photo from Driving Test New Zealand