Earthquake: Things to keep in mind while driving

For quite some time, India has been on the receiving end of good fortune, seeing neither a significant earthquake nor a devastating one in the nation. Considering that an earthquake of a magnitude of 5.4 was felt in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) today, November 12, preparation is key. Knowing what to do in the event of an earthquake while travelling in a car or bike is essential, since you can never be sure when the next big one will hit.

While it is common knowledge to drop, cover, and hold during an earthquake, this advice is useless if you happen to be behind the wheel. Here are some things to do and avoid doing if you're driving during an earthquake, so you're prepared even before ground begins shaking and you're left wondering what to do.

Things to do

• Gradually Reduce Your Speed: Reduce your speed gradually to avoid getting into an accident or pileup with other motorists during an earthquake.
• Whenever possible, pull over to the side of the road away from bridges, overpasses, power lines, and other hazards. When there is no clear space to pull over, keep driving until you find one.
• Park your vehicle: Place the car in park, switch off the engine, and leave your seatbelt on. In the event of an earthquake, your vehicle is the safest location you can be so long as it is not directly under a bridge, power line, or structure.
• Turn on the Radio: When an earthquake strikes, turn on your radio. If you want to know what's going on and be safe, leaving your radio on is your best bet.
• Wait: Those inside a car should stay still until the shaking stops. Do not get out of the car unless doing so would immediately endanger your life. Be prepared for anything . When the earth stops trembling, you may cautiously continue.

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Things not to do

• You run the risk of causing an accident if you suddenly brake. The sudden braking can result in a rear-end collision and a multi-vehicle pileup.
• Try to out-drive the earthquake: You can't out-drive an earthquake, so don't even think about trying. Pressure waves may reach speeds of up to 14 kilometres per second, far above those of any practical mode of transportation.
• Get out and run: Never abandon your car and begin fleeing on foot. Large fractures, violent shaking, and fallen power lines, debris, glass, gas leaks, etc. are all bad news for pedestrians in the event of a significant earthquake. Prevent getting out of the car unless doing so is necessary to avoid imminent danger.
• Drive under or over a bridge: When an earthquake occurs, particularly a powerful one, bridges are at danger of being damaged. In the aftermath of the quake, you should avoid them if at all possible. If you feel any trembling while driving, it's advisable to avoid crossing any bridges.
• Use your phone unless absolutely necessary: You shouldn't use your phone unless you really have to, as if you're hurt and need to contact emergency services. In the event of an emergency, it is crucial that calls get through and that emergency professionals be able to communicate with one another. Keep your phone usage to a minimum unless absolutely required.