Bad weather is a major cause behind a lot of car accidents. Of course, it’s best to remain off the roads during poor weather. But, sometimes you might find yourself caught on the road, especially when dealing with high wind driving. It’s important to know what you can do to keep yourself as safe as possible…
High Wind Driving:Unexpected Weather & Driver Safety
Slow down & stay focused
High wind driving can be very nerve-wracking. However, the important thing is to keep your calm and not try to rush home or somewhere else. Instead, it’s better to slow down than to speed up. Crosswinds will make it significantly harder to control your car, especially if you drive a larger one.
Also, do your best to keep your focus on the road ahead. Don’t get distracted by things like your phone. Keep both hands on the wheel and watch for other drivers who might not be as safe as they should be. Only use things like your phone when you’re safe and off the road.
Watch where you stop
Another thing to consider with high wind driving is where you stop. You might think that you’ll be safer out of your car instead of in it. However, that might not always be the case. Remember that your car is much heavier than you, and can help you get some added protection from any debris flying around.
Still, if you have to stop, make sure you do so in a safe spot. For example, it’s much safer to stop at a building you can take shelter in instead of on the highway. If there’s any place you don’t want to stop on, it’s a bridge. Stopping on a bride could lead to your car getting swept off by the high winds.
Be mindful of where you drive
High wind driving usually means dealing with things like rain or hail as well. Not only does this make it harder to drive, it also adds some unique risks as well. For example, downed power lines are common during windy weather. You’ll always want to avoid these and the roads they might be on.
Flooding is also pretty common with high wind weather. Driving in floods on their own is already hard enough, and adding wind into the mix makes them extremely dangerous. Plus, they could be hiding hazards under the water, like power lines or other debris. Try to find alternative routes when the roads ahead of you are flooded.