Rain and fog aren’t the only adverse weather conditions that can make driving difficult and come with additional risks. Times of heavy wind can also bring fresh challenges, which is why it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers and how to drive safely when it’s windy.
Before leaving home, you should check the weather forecast to see if any adverse conditions are due during your journey. If they are, then you’ll be better prepared to deal with any potential risks.
There are several ways you can make sure your vehicle is safe to drive during heavy winds:
During stormy weather, the wind is unlikely to blow consistently, and will often blow sudden, unpredictable gusts. Sudden gusts are more common on open roads, on bridges, and over hills, however it’s possible to experience them anywhere.
As a pedestrian, heavy winds can knock you off your feet. Vehicles, which have a much larger surface area, can experience similar effects.
Heavy wind and unexpected gusts can lead to any of the following:
Being prepared for heavy and unexpected gusts of wind during stormy weather can help minimise risks. Here are a few top tips to consider:
If heavy winds are forecast, make sure you know your route prior to leaving. Roads that are susceptible to unpredictable wind, such as bridges or hilltop roads, may be worth avoiding. In some extreme weather conditions, there’s also the chance roads that have the potential to become dangerous will be closed.
When it’s windy, trees, telephone poles, old walls, fences, and other items or structures have the potential to break, collapse or fall. Try to park in a safe spot, away from anything that could damage your vehicle if it were to hit it.
Driving at higher speeds makes you more susceptible to losing control during strong gusts of wind. Not only will wind get beneath your vehicle, making it harder to brake and handle, but higher speeds limit your response time and your ability to regain control.
Drive slower and more sensibly during high winds, especially on motorways and bridges.
Be mindful when overtaking. Not only are you likely to be travelling at speed, but you may be passing larger vehicles such as lorries, which can act as a temporary break from the wind.
Lorries are also highly affected by heavy wind, so be mindful that they can unexpectedly cross lanes. In exceptional circumstances, lorries have been known to tip or jackknife during extremely windy conditions.
If it’s windy and you find yourself sheltered by buildings or trees, be wary of breaks in these wind barriers, as leaving their protection may surprise you with a sudden gust of wind.
We all develop bad habits when driving, such as holding the steering wheel at the bottom, and not in the recommended ten and two position. However, during windy conditions, it’s especially important to hold the steering wheel straight and firm, giving you the best chance possible to control the vehicle should it be pushed by strong winds.
In order to compensate for road users who are more susceptible to high winds, such as cyclists and lorries, give them more room in case they’re pushed into your path.
Make sure your tyres aren’t approaching the legal minimum tread depth as this will make controlling your vehicle in bad weather even trickier. To buy replacement tyres online in a flash, just enter your reg into our quick and easy online tool.