Final answer:
The safest action during a tornado while on the road is to find sturdy shelter or a low-lying area. Avoiding other options which are less safe, like staying in a car or under overpasses, is crucial. Preparedness, such as boarding up and using shelters, despite being costlier, offers the best chance of safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The safest course of action if you're on the road during a tornado is to find a sturdy building or low-lying area to take shelter. Driving towards the tornado is extremely dangerous, as tornadoes can change path quickly and cause massive destruction with high-speed winds. Seeking shelter under an overpass is not advised since wind patterns can intensify under the structure, and remaining in the car isn't safe as vehicles can be picked up or tossed by the tornado. Finding sturdy shelter ensures the best protection against the tornado's violent winds. In a situation where no sturdy buildings are available, seeking a low-lying area such as a ditch or depression in the ground and covering your head can provide some level of protection.
In the context of preparedness for a potential tornado, Plan A, which involves doing nothing, can result in severe consequences including loss of life and property. Plan B, which prepares for the tornado by boarding up windows and taking cover in a tornado shelter, minimizes these risks. The relative costs of Plan B might be higher in terms of time and money spent on preparations, but the feelings of safety and relief in the aftermath would likely justify these expenditures, especially if the tornado were to hit.
.