When the weather is extremely windy, the number one question in your head should be “is the journey really necessary?” If it isn’t, then we strongly advise not travelling.
However, if the reason you’re travelling is of great importance and you feel you must go, we at CarCliq want to make sure you’re driving safely in windy weather and have accumulated 10 key tips!
However, if the reason you’re travelling is of great importance and you feel you must go, we at CarCliq want to make sure you’re driving safely in windy weather and have accumulated 10 key tips!
1. Pack well.If you feel that the severe weather may disrupt your upcoming journey, it’s vital you pack the necessities in case you’re stranded for a while.
These being things like a change of warm clothes, a fully charged phone (bring a charger just in case), and food and water.
2. Listen to news bulletins.
Sometimes journeys may seem necessary or important, so if you must travel we want you to make it your priority to listen to local and nationwide news bulletins; this is in case there are road closures.
3. Plan your journey.
Before you leave for your commute, research whereabouts you’re driving and see if there is a route with less exposure to the weather.
We advise a sheltered route is the best option (if there is one).
4. Slow and steady wins the race.
Travelling with high winds can be dangerous, as they can travel under your car and affect your overall handling and braking ability. Be careful, this can occur by unexpected, strong gusts of wind, therefore it’s best to slow down and anticipate these, this will reduce the impact it will have on your driving.
5. Don’t be exposed.
The speed you’re travelling at, is just one of many factors which can impact your driving in windy conditions, as well as driving in exposed areas. This is because your car is more susceptible to the impact of sudden gusts of wind, which is why driving in sheltered areas is the better option.
Before you leave for your commute, research whereabouts you’re driving and see if there is a route with less exposure to the weather.
We advise a sheltered route is the best option (if there is one).
4. Slow and steady wins the race.
Travelling with high winds can be dangerous, as they can travel under your car and affect your overall handling and braking ability. Be careful, this can occur by unexpected, strong gusts of wind, therefore it’s best to slow down and anticipate these, this will reduce the impact it will have on your driving.
5. Don’t be exposed.
The speed you’re travelling at, is just one of many factors which can impact your driving in windy conditions, as well as driving in exposed areas. This is because your car is more susceptible to the impact of sudden gusts of wind, which is why driving in sheltered areas is the better option.
6. Be cautious when overtaking.When overtaking other road users such as high-sided vehicles, this can be a huge hazard. As when you’re driving past, this can result in an immediate gust from the side, so please be prepared for this change in how the car might respond.
7. Hold onto your steering wheel firmly.
In terms of travelling in adverse weather conditions like wind, we need to make sure we’re holding the steering wheel firmly, so that means two hands on the wheel with a firm grasp. We need to have as much control over the car as possible.
8. Give yourself and others more room.
Be courteous of other road users around you, such as cyclists or lorries by giving them more room – this is so if they’re blown around by side winds you’ve given them enough room to react.
9. Be very vigilant.
You should always have your full attention on your surroundings, including the vehicles in front of you. You can spot when and where other motorists have appeared to be blown off course by the wind, giving you a pre-warning to take care when approaching this area.
10. Park in a safe place.
Avoid at all costs parking under the trees, near buildings, telephone lines or any other structures which could represent a falling-danger in severe winds.
So, we want you to assess if driving in critical weather is absolutley necessary as there is no point putting yourself at risk when there is no need to. However, if you feel it is, we hope you now know by following these ten quick steps to driving safely in windy weather.
For more CarCliq guides click here
Be courteous of other road users around you, such as cyclists or lorries by giving them more room – this is so if they’re blown around by side winds you’ve given them enough room to react.
9. Be very vigilant.
You should always have your full attention on your surroundings, including the vehicles in front of you. You can spot when and where other motorists have appeared to be blown off course by the wind, giving you a pre-warning to take care when approaching this area.
10. Park in a safe place.
Avoid at all costs parking under the trees, near buildings, telephone lines or any other structures which could represent a falling-danger in severe winds.
So, we want you to assess if driving in critical weather is absolutley necessary as there is no point putting yourself at risk when there is no need to. However, if you feel it is, we hope you now know by following these ten quick steps to driving safely in windy weather.
For more CarCliq guides click here
