Driving In High Winds: When Should You Stay Off The Road?
Can driving, in high winds, really be that risky? You bet. The U.S. Department of Transportation says vehicle crashes number over 5.7 million per year, and of those, 22 percent occur under adverse weather conditions.
“Adverse weather” is defined as any instance of rain, snow, sleet, fog, wind and more. Much effort is dedicated to giving advice on how to drive in the rain and snow, but the wind is often overlooked as a potential contributor to accidents.
This guide explains how to drive in high winds (if you must) and when you shouldn’t risk it.
Pay Attention to Weather Reports
When you see that high winds are in the forecast, allow yourself more driving time to reach your destination. Keep an eye on the weather report and adjust your route accordingly. Taking a more sheltered road is better than exposing your vehicle to the elements, as can be the case on highways, bridges and through fields.
Stay Alert to Potential Dangers
Large commercial trucks, buses, motorcycles, vehicles towing trailers — these are all dangerous to drive near if high winds are blowing your way. They are much more likely to be affected by the gusts, and possibly tip over or spin out of control.
You should also constantly stay alert to avoid flying debris, which can hit your windshield or land in your path.
Drive Slower — Allow More Space Between Vehicles
Always leave double the normal distance between your car and the next vehicle, especially if you are driving in high winds in addition to any other form of precipitation, which could decrease visibility and make the road slick.
Don’t Drive Over Power Lines
If you notice a power line is down, pull over and do not attempt to drive over it. Also, beware of any tree branches or other objects that are touching wires. They can carry a high-voltage electrical charge and could cause serious injury or death. Call the local police to report the problem and wait for assistance.
Pull Over If Your Safety Is Threatened
If the local transportation authorities say it’s too dangerous to drive, then don’t. But you also can assess the wind conditions for yourself. As soon as you realize the gusts are too strong for your car to handle and you cannot control the steering wheel, it’s time to pull over and wait until the worst has passed.
But don’t just slow down and stop in the highway breakdown lane — you are at risk of being hit by passing vehicles. Instead, find a safe place with no nearby trees or power lines that could fall onto your car.
If you have been in an accident caused by a wind storm, don’t hesitate to call Stauffer’s Towing. With years of experience in auto-recovery, our team can extract your car from the most precarious positions and locations.
Driving in high winds should be undertaken with the utmost caution, but you can always trust Stauffer’s Towing to be there for you when the weather gets the best of your vehicle.