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Earthquake Highway Safety

Earthquakes are repeatedly occurring disasters, yet they cause massive deaths around the world almost annually. The first step for minimizing disaster risks and losses is preparedness. Earthquake safety education is an important part of this and should be taught to everyone around the world since earthquakes can occur anywhere at anytime without warning, including places far away from fault lines like Eastern Canada and the United States.

  1. Earthquake Kits

    • Especially in areas that are prone to earthquakes, emergency materials should be kept in the trunks or glove compartments of cars at all times. These should include a flashlight, light sticks or matches since an earthquake may strand people outside at night. There also should be an emergency blanket in case of cold weather, a first aid kit, a small amount of water and non-perishable food, and a supply of necessary medication if needed. Some cars already come with prepared emergency kits but may not have food or water.

    Where to Stop a Car

    • During an earthquake, drivers should try to slowly pull over to an open area, possibly at the side of the road, making sure they don't crash into other cars around them. On a highway, this would preferably be on a skirt. If there is no skirt or there are too many cars, drivers should slowly come to a stop where they are.

    Where Not to Stop a Car

    • Drivers should also avoid trees, utility wires, buildings, overpasses and underpasses when they park their cars during or shortly after an earthquake. Drivers should always avoid driving or stopping on fallen electrical lines. Additionally, when driving, people should be wary of cracks the earthquake has produced. If the earthquake continues, this will lead to an enlargement of those cracks, or car tires can be damaged when driving over them.

    After Stopping

    • During an earthquake and shortly after, people should remain in their cars, wait out the shaking, and check on any injuries they may have sustained. After an earthquake, local radios usually deliver news updates. Cell phones should not be in use during an earthquake unless there are injuries to report. This is because people should be aware of where they are and what's going on around them without having any device distracting them.

    After an Earthquake

    • After a few minutes, people can proceed driving with caution. They should stay away from tunnels, bridges or ramps that could have been destroyed. Additionally, they should pay attention to cracks in the road as they're driving and be prepared for aftershocks.

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