Hazardous road conditions are often related to heavy rain, snow and ice, but windy weather is another factor motorists should be prepared for. Strong winds can pose many challenges to drivers and knowing how to drive in these conditions will ensure you are as safe as possible on the roads. Whether you’re driving on an open road or through small towns, knowing how to navigate windy weather is essential, meaning you’ll be prepared for those unexpected turns in the British weather.
Before we get into this article, it is worth noting that if winds (or other challenging conditions) are particularly hazardous, we’d advise not to drive unless your travel is completely necessary. Motorcyclists especially shouldn’t try to navigate in strong winds as it is much harder to control in this weather. If you do find yourself driving in conditions that you can’t manage, please pull over when it is safe and legal to do so to keep yourself and other motorists out of harm’s way.
If your journey is completely necessary and you know you’re going to encounter strong winds, please follow the below advice.
Stay informed by checking weather updates
It is always a good idea to check what weather to expect on your journey. If some routes are particularly hazardous, you can plan to take an alternative route or delay your journey until the weather is forecast to improve.
Ensuring your traffic updates are enabled on the radio will keep you informed of any road closures on your journey, so you know exactly which route to take.
Be prepared by packing well
Challenging weather conditions can disrupt a journey, so if you plan to drive in hazardous conditions, it is best that you prepare for any delays or disruptions to your journey. It is always best to travel with water, snacks, warm clothing or a blanket in case you find yourself stationary for a long period of time. It is always a good idea to ensure your mobile phone is fully charged before the journey just in case you need to contact someone.
Drive slow with a firm hold
It is common sense to drive slower in challenging conditions, to keep yourself and motorists around you safe and this will also give you more time to react to sudden gusts of wind. When driving in windy conditions in particular, keeping a strong, firm hold on the steering wheel is important to maintain control at all times. Crosswinds can suddenly push your car, so it is essential that you are prepared to stabilise the car if this happens.
Stay centred in your lane
It is best to drive in the centre of your lane to allow leeway on either side of your vehicle, should a gust of wind push you to the side. Driving too close to the road edge could cause you to lose control if you were to be suddenly pushed further aside, and driving too close to the centre lines could cause an accident with another motorist.
Beware when overtaking
If you need to overtake or drive close to a bus or lorry (or any high-sided vehicle), it is worth noting that these larger vehicles cause a wind tunnel effect which amplifies the wind for smaller vehicles around them. When overtaking these types of vehicles, always anticipate and be prepared for sudden changes in wind patterns.
Keep your distance and observe
Keep a longer following distance between you and the car in front as this will give you more time to react in an incident. You can also observe the cars up ahead to see if you can spot where they are going off-course, giving you a pre-warning as you approach that part of the road.
Be cautious in open areas
Driving through built-up areas or roads with lots of trees alongside them helps to break the wind up so you don’t experience such strong side winds. As your journey progresses, be conscious that as you enter more open roads, the wind is likely to be stronger and more hazardous.
Be wary and look out for additional hazards
Windy weather not only causes hazards to everyday drivers, but it also disrupts the area around you and can affect particular vehicles more than others. Looking out for the following things will help to keep your journey as safe as possible:
- Debris on the road
- Cars with roof boxes (these are more susceptible to cross winds)
- Vehicles towing caravans or trailers
- Crossing high, exposed bridges
Taking extra caution around these aspects of your journey will make all the difference in your journey through high winds.
Driving in windy conditions requires a combination of caution, preparation, and skill. By staying informed about weather conditions, maintaining control of your vehicle, and adopting safe driving practices, you can confidently navigate through even the windiest of scenarios.
Remember, the safety of yourself, your passengers, and fellow road users is paramount. So, next time you find yourself facing gusty winds, keep these tips in mind to ensure a secure and stress-free journey – and remember: always pull over if you feel unsafe driving.