Always pull all the way off the road, or better yet, find a side road or pull-off and clear the highway completely. I strongly urge the use of yellow warning lights when stopped on the side of the road. When passing, don't forget to look around the non-passing side also. Many head-on collisions are caused by vehicles pulling onto a highway in front of a passing vehicle. If you are in heavy traffic, keep extra distance between vehicles. It would be great if all chasers could agree to keep extra distances between vehicles. This makes passing, stopping, pit stops and pulling off the road much easier and safer. Our team keeps at least a 10 to 15+ vehicle distance between us.

Hydroplaning is a serious issue on rain, oil, cow pie and mud slick roads. No tires or suspensions are immune. The best advise is to slow to a safe speed where you feel comfortable and have control. Avoid ponding water. Caution: Heavy, overloaded chase SUV's are more prone to develope non-recoverable hydroplaning. If you have an accident, move off the road if possible. A blocked road might cost many lives if an escape route is blocked. The same thing goes for pulling under (blocking) underpasses in the event of large hail, or worse, tornadoes. If I ever come to a blocked highway while trying to avoid a tornado, I'm going to use the metal push bars (jaws) on the Archangel to clear the way. (Follow me!). This is why I sometimes use frontage roads if available, to avoid the pea-brains who park right on the road. (Not usually chasers but locals).

In heavy oncoming traffic, always stay as far to the right shoulder as possible, to make yourself visible to oncoming and passing traffic. I suggest keeping a set of back-up paper maps handy. Computer GPS systems can fail. If you are lost in a nasty storm, it can be a long day. Keep a can or two of flat tire fix in your supply box. If you have a flat tire while a mile-wide tornado is bearing down, you will wish you did. Then again, under those circumstances, another chaser might sell you a can for $500.00.

My team always travels with medical equipment, including an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). If there is any need, e.g., someone is hit by lightning, try me on the common chaser frequencies and I can respond if I'm in the area.

Lastly, always drive with your lights on.

Warren