Flash Floods: Texas's #1 Weather Killer
More Texans die in flash floods than any other weather event. The phrase "Turn Around, Don't Drown" exists because too many drivers underestimate moving water.
Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down. 12 inches can carry away a small car. 2 feet will float most vehicles, including trucks and SUVs.
- • If you can't see the road, don't enter: Water covering the road means you can't see hazards beneath
- • Watch for barricades: Never go around flood barriers—they're there because the road is dangerous
- • Low-water crossings fill fast: That dry creek bed can become a raging river in 15 minutes
- • Night flooding is deadlier: Harder to judge water depth in darkness
- • Get to higher ground: If caught in rising water, abandon the car and climb to safety
Hydroplaning: When Tires Lose Contact
Hydroplaning happens when water builds up faster than your tires can push it away. Your car is essentially floating—and you have zero control.
- • Steering feels suddenly light
- • Engine revs higher
- • Rear end may swing
- • Speedometer drops despite maintaining gas
- • Don't brake suddenly
- • Ease off the gas pedal
- • Keep steering straight
- • Wait for tires to regain contact
Extreme Heat: The Summer Danger
Texas summers regularly see 100°F+ temperatures, and road surfaces can reach 150°F or higher. This heat affects both the car and the driver.
Hot pavement increases tire pressure and weakens rubber. Under-inflated or worn tires are especially vulnerable to blowouts.
If a Tire Blows:
- 1. Don't slam the brakes — this causes loss of control
- 2. Keep firm grip on steering wheel — the car will pull toward the blown tire
- 3. Gradually ease off the accelerator — let the car slow naturally
- 4. Signal and move to the shoulder — when safe and slow enough
- 5. Turn on hazard lights — warn other drivers
Heat-Related Car Checks:
- • Check tire pressure monthly (check when cold, before driving)
- • Look for tire wear and cracking
- • Ensure coolant levels are adequate
- • Keep an emergency kit with water in the car
- • Never leave people or pets in parked cars
High Winds and Dust Storms
West Texas and the Panhandle are known for high winds and occasional dust storms (haboobs). These conditions can create zero-visibility situations.
- If you can exit the highway, do so immediately — get off the road before visibility drops
- If you can't exit:
- • Pull completely off the road
- • Turn off all lights (including headlights)
- • Set parking brake
- • Take foot off brake pedal
- • Wait until the storm passes
Why turn off lights? Other drivers may follow your lights thinking you're moving, and rear-end your parked car.
Ice and Winter Weather
While rare in much of Texas, ice storms can paralyze the state. Most Texas drivers have little experience with icy conditions, making them especially dangerous.
- • Bridges freeze first: Even when roads are clear, bridges can be icy
- • Black ice is invisible: If it's below 40°F and roads look wet and shiny, assume ice
- • Reduce speed dramatically: Posted limits are for ideal conditions
- • Increase following distance: 8-10 seconds instead of the usual 3-4
- • When in doubt, stay home: Texas roads aren't treated like northern states
Practice Plan: Weather Training
You can't (and shouldn't) wait for perfect storm conditions to practice. But you can prepare your teen mentally and practice what you can:
Practice braking distances, using wipers, headlights
Find a safe parking lot; discuss when to pull over and wait
Check tire pressure together, discuss blowout response
Practice steering correction, especially with passing trucks
Drive past (not through!) flooded areas to observe water levels
Teach your teen that the best Texas drivers know when NOT to drive. There's no destination worth risking life for. Check weather before trips, have a backup plan, and never feel pressured to drive in dangerous conditions. The road will still be there tomorrow.