Windy Driving: How to Handle Windy Trips Like a Pro

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), over 1.2 million car accidents happen yearly because of weather-related issues.

Although the safest way to avoid accidents is to stay home during harsh weather conditions that bring gusty winds, there are instances when you can’t avoid being on the road. Luckily, you can follow safe driving practices to stay out of danger.

Tips for Driving in Windy Conditions

High winds can make it challenging for you to maneuver your vehicle. Here are some tips to help you stay safe during your journey:

Watch the Weather Report and Plan Your Trip Accordingly

Check the weather report before leaving your house or place of business. Your local weather service office will usually issue a high-wind watch or warning when necessary.

If you’re covering a longer distance, check the weather along your route. Don’t just focus on where you’re at right now.

If there’s no urgent reason to go out, the best course of action is to postpone your trip and wait for the heavy-wind advisory to be lifted in your area or along your route.

Check the Condition of Your Tires

You’re going to need good traction during windy weather. Make sure that you check the condition of your tires before your trip. If you notice significant or uneven wear, get them checked by a professional immediately.

Slow Down

It’s a natural reaction to escape when a situation gets dangerous. But in this case, it will be safer for your vehicle to slow down instead of speeding up to reach your destination faster.

Strong winds can significantly affect your handling and braking. Slowing down will give you better control over your vehicle. If you’re on a highway, drive slower than the posted speed limit.

Watch Out for Falling Debris

Debris can come from everywhere whenever there are strong winds. Be on the lookout for falling tree branches. Heavy winds can also knock down power lines, so watch out for damaged electrical poles that block the road. You can turn on your headlights to improve visibility during these conditions.

Hold the Steering Wheel Correctly

Since strong winds can make steering and handling challenging, it’s important to keep your hands on the wheel. Avoid adjusting your radio or A/C settings during these times, so you can respond quickly in case something happens.

Keep a firm grip on your steering wheel. This will allow you to have complete control of your vehicle.

Keep Your Distance from Oversized Vehicles

Avoid driving near large trucks, vans, and buses. These large vehicles are more vulnerable to losing control or tipping when it’s too windy.

It’s not advisable to overtake during windy conditions. However, if you really need to, make sure that you keep your distance.

Don’t Panic

If a sudden gust of wind causes your car to drift out of its lane, don’t panic. Instead of making drastic corrections to your vehicle, take things slow and think clearly.

Sudden steering wheel overcorrection can cause you to lose control of your vehicle even more. Keep things steady and make gentle corrections. Try to go back to your lane slowly.

Pull Over If It Becomes Too Dangerous

If you feel like the situation is already too dangerous, don’t think twice about pulling over. However, make sure that there’s a safe place for you to park.

If you can, avoid stopping on a busy freeway shoulder because other vehicles can still hit your car if they lose control of their vehicle.

Try to find a parking lot or a quiet side street and wait it out. Check your weather app or listen to the news on the radio to determine if it’s already safe to drive.

Be careful when exiting your vehicle, especially if you decide to pull over in an open space parking area. Strong winds can slam the door into you.

What Wind Speed Is Not Safe For Vehicles?

The National Weather Service considers it difficult to drive large vehicles at wind speeds of 30 to 45 mph. Wind speeds of around 40 to 58 mph can make it difficult for small vehicles to drive. At this point, it is dangerous for large vehicles to be on the road.

What To Do After a Weather-Related Car Crash

Here’s what you should do in case you get involved in a car crash because of gusty winds:

Contact Emergency Responders

If it’s a minor accident and you’re conscious, contact the emergency responders immediately. If the weather is still extremely bad, you can stay in your car until the paramedics and police arrive. However, if you see smoke or sparks coming from your vehicle, get out immediately and find a safe place where you can wait.

Talk to Witnesses and Gather Information

Once it’s safe to get out of your car,  talk to the witnesses. If another vehicle is involved, make sure to get their contact details. You should also take pictures of your vehicles for insurance claims or in case the other party files a case against you.

Who’s At Fault When Bad Weather Causes Accidents?

Identifying who’s at fault when an accident happens due to bad weather can be complicated. Drivers are primarily responsible for taking precautions and practicing defensive driving in these conditions.

However, road mishaps can still happen even if you’re cautious. So, how does an insurance company or a court determine who’s at fault? Aside from the weather during the time of the incident, they also study other factors like road conditions, driving behaviors, witness statements, and police reports.

Why Is It Important to Determine Who’s At Fault?

Identifying who’s at fault will help an insurance company determine the extent of the coverage and which party should make damage payments. Some states follow a “comparative negligence” rule, where fault is divided between the parties involved depending on how they contributed to the incident. These rules can vary per state. You can talk to your local attorney to learn more about it.