This week Southern Californians were hit by a shock of a 5.2 earthquake. Some further away from the quake’s epicenter were merely shocked by warning on their phone that an earthquake was about to happen. However, those in San Diego and around the epicenter felt a strong shaking for the duration of the earthquake. Specifically, the epicenter was just a few miles outside of the quaint small town of Julian, California. With this larger quake, many were reminded of the fact that they can happen suddenly, with little to no warning. With this reminder, we wanted to offer a reminder of what to do in case you find yourself in an earthquake situation while you are in a car.
Stop Safely
The most important thing to remember during an earthquake while driving is to stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. While your first instinct might be to pull over immediately, you need to be cautious and assess your surroundings before stopping. When the shaking starts, avoid slamming on the brakes, as this could lead to a dangerous situation.
Avoid Stopping in an Intersection
If you’re approaching an intersection, do not stop in the middle of it. Stopping at an intersection could block traffic, putting you at risk of a collision with other vehicles that may not have stopped. Drivers around you may be startled or panicked, which increases the likelihood of accidents. Instead, drive through the intersection if you can, and pull over only when the area is clear of other traffic and it’s safe to do so.
Be Aware of Hazards Around You
When you pull over, make sure you are parking in a safe location. If there are structures nearby, like bridges, overpasses, power lines, or trees, avoid stopping under or near them. The shaking could cause these structures to collapse, putting you in danger. Try to park in an open area, away from any overhead hazards, where you’ll be safer.
Stay in the Vehicle
Once you have safely stopped, stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops. Leaving your car during the tremors could expose you to additional hazards, particularly if you’re parked near a dangerous area. If you absolutely must exit, do so carefully and be mindful of falling debris or other risks. After the shaking subsides, wait a few moments to see if any aftershocks occur, as these secondary tremors can sometimes be more intense than the initial quake.
Proceed with Caution
Once the shaking has stopped and you feel it is safe to continue driving, proceed cautiously. Earthquakes can cause significant damage to roads, cracks, potholes, and debris from collapsed structures are all hazards to watch for. Drive slowly, stay alert, and be prepared to stop if you encounter obstacles. It is important to remember that aftershocks may follow, so stay vigilant and be ready to react quickly if more tremors hit.
