How to Drive in High Winds

Driving in high winds can be dangerous and even more hazardous because of the other weather conditions that normally accompany them. Extreme caution should be used when driving a car in any type of severe weather.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• car
• radio

1. Be aware of the other vehicles around you in high winds. This is especially true with RVs, campers, trucks, buses, or trailers being towed.
2. Slow down the speed of your car to minimize the wind's affect on your vehicle.
3. Make steering corrections when driving from a protected to unprotected area. This is because the wind may move your car with a sudden force after being in the protected area.
4. Lower your speed when driving next to larger vehicles such as trucks and buses. These vehicles can swing out and hit your car if the wind picks up suddenly.
5. Listen to the radio for changes in weather conditions that could become more dangerous.

Tips & Warnings

• Listen to the weather report as you drive. In some states, it is against the law to drive in high winds due to the danger.
• Keep a safe distance from other cars in front of you on the road.
• Rain, sleet or snow tend to accompany high winds and extra caution should be used when driving in these conditions.
• Watch out for downed lines as these could be hot power lines.
• Be careful driving near or around trees as the wind could tip them over onto your car.
• Bridges and overpasses can be extremely dangerous since winds can get under a car more easily at these locations.

Who Can Help: