How to Drive Safely in Strong Wind

Posted on by Defensive Driving | in Defensive Driving Tips, Driver Safety For You & Your Family, Driving and Safety Tips

shutterstock_533178166
Now that we are in the middle of autumn, weather is getting colder and those blustery fall winds are making it that little bit more difficult to drive. Strong wind can be a dangerous hazard when driving, and it does not matter if you drive a big wind-catching vehicle or something small, high winds can be a problem for anyone on the road. Here are some tips to stay safe while driving.

keep your eyes open

Obviously you are always supposed to be aware of your surroundings when driving, but never more so than in windy weather. Be aware of anything on the side of the road that could blow into your path, such as branches or trees. If there are trees or other vegetation on the side of the road, look for how much it is moving, and if anything could possibly detach. If you see a truck driving ahead that is losing its load, give it a wide berth.

drive slower

Not only do you have less control of a vehicle the faster it is moving, but you also have less time to react. Sudden gusts of wind can cause problems that no one will be able to anticipate, and if you are driving slower you will have a better chance of avoiding them.

give large vehicles a lot of space

In this sort of weather truck drivers will have a much harder time maintaining control. They are used to this however, and should be able to deal with it expertly. Having said that, you should still give them a lot of space on the road. They may be forced to veer or suddenly change lanes as a result of a sudden or strong gust of wind. Regardless of weather, we should be giving big trucks plenty of space anyway. For more tips on this, visit this page.

driving in side winds

Side winds tends to be the scariest as a driver, because if they are strong enough they can blow you off course. If you feel the side wind changing the direction of your vehicle, gently steer in the opposite direction to bring yourself back. Do not panic or turn your wheel quickly or suddenly, make only smooth and gentle movements.

driving in head winds

Head and tail winds are not as difficult to deal with, as they are only likely to alter your speed slightly. You may find yourself having to adjust your acceleration slightly to compensate.

The best advice that one can take for driving in windy weather is to be a safe and responsible driver. Be prepared for anything that might happen. In other words, be a defensive driver. For more tips and facts about driving, check out our Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ pages.

|

Customer Reviews

Defensivedriving.com has a ShopperApproved rating of 4.7 based on 124469 ratings and reviews.

Dwight Bauermeister united states
Great service
Alejandro Macias united states
So far so good
Vijaya Lella united states
Nice experience. Easy to navigate. Videos are not too boring.
Ty Stanley None, united states
It’s very easy and quick
Tyrone Flowers Jr. None, united states
great
Kolton Smith None, united states
pretty efficient website.
Julio Nazario TX, united states
It was a great experience.
Robert Cortinas None, united states
fast
Courtney Richards None, united states
It was a quick process to sign up, ready to finish course.
Robert Pickens None, united states
Simple and quick
Daniela Ruiz united states
Website is So easy navigate and everything is explained so well
Edward Texas, united states
Course is informative and interesting.
Logan Dawson None, united states
Yall did great thank you
Stuart Pasley None, united states
Simple
Della Street-Leinart None, united states
Quick, easy and affordable.
Alexus Broome None, united states
easy to use
hdeal alabodi united states
Good experience
Lauren FULKERSON united states
Easy to use
Akhil Gajulavarti Texas, united states
Overall, it's good
Avery Ballmann TX, united states
It's great!
Eric Varela None, united states
Very Easy and fast service, all Texas Courts approve it
Sandreika Barber None, united states
Fast to navigate thru
Andres Alaniz None, united states
easy
Jose Carreon None, united states
Just awesome teaching techniques
Amanda Corley None, united states
all good
John Sanchez Texas, united states
Easy to follow
Luis Anchondo united states
Great!!!!
Meghan Stevenson None, united states
Fast and easy
Donna Collins None, united states
easy
Zachary Hird None, united states
very easy to use
Donnell Welch TX, united states
Very user friendly.
Chase Sebesta None, united states
quick and easy payment
Shanna Deisch None, united states
Good
Mary Dignam None, united states
easy
Paola Urdaneta united states
Great videos!
A. Keiter TX, United States
I am halfway through it and enjoy the ability to stop and start as I desired.
Dennis Robinson TX, united states
Great website
Lilian Jimenez None, united states
Buena
Anthony Garcia None, united states
It’s good
Tammy Croford None, united states
Love this course. I take it every time I get a ticket.
Klaus Takwi None, united states
Good
Judy H Palermo None, united states
Good
Christiana Perez united states
It's very simple and clear. The website works well and the videos play well, it's a great program!
Alec Forbes united states
Space between cars y'all
Joycette Lara None, united states
Its going good so far and really quick.
Hassan Modarresi None, united states
great
Robert Boles None, united states
easy and fast course
Md Mehedi Imam None, united states
Very quick support
See all reviews on shopperApproved.com
Why DefensiveDriving.com
  • 20 Years in Business
  • Over 2 Million Customers Served
  • Highest Possible Better Business Bureau Rating
  • Award Winning Course