Driving in Windy Situations

Most drivers are aware of proper safetylitter the roadway or can even throw debris
precautions to take in the event of heavy rainsdirectly into your path. Look ahead carefully for
or other adverse weather conditions. However,any obstacles in the road, and keep your speed in
many drivers are unaware of the dangerscheck to be sure that you have plenty of time to
presented by high winds. Indeed, high winds seemcome to a stop or safely move around any
like a small inconvenience when compared to adebris.
large storm. However, high winds often indicate- Drive carefully around larger vehicles. Large
other inclement weather, and have their owntrucks, busses, and RVs have a much more
dangers of which all drivers should stay aware.difficult time driving in wind than smaller vehicles
Strong winds can cause drivers to lose control ofbecause of a long, broad side exposed to the
their vehicles, push vehicles in to opposite orwind. With increased surface area, the wind has
adjacent lanes, and can help increase the likelihoodmore room to push harder, and therefore high
or a rollover in the event of an accident. If youwinds increase the difficulty of handling these
ever run in to high winds when driving, remembervehicles. Keep your distance from these vehicles
to follow some simple safety measures to helpand do not drive in lanes adjacent to them in high
prevent accidents on the road.winds to avoid a collision from the side.
- Slow down. As in most other bad weather- Beware of other inclement weather conditions.
situations, the most important thing you can do isHigh winds often indicate other adverse weather
slow down. By slowing down, you give yourselfa little further down the road. Listen to local
more time to react in the event of an accidentweather updates on your radio and prepare
by other drivers and keep more control overyourself to drive in even harsher conditions. In
your entire vehicle.addition, keep an eye out for wet or icy patches
- Minimize distractions. Distractions, such as cellon the road that could cause your vehicle to skid
phones or CD players, can pull a driver's attentionor run off the road.
from the road and increase the risk of anAll drivers should exercise proper caution when
accident. Especially during a high wind situation, adriving in bad weather to assure the safety of
distracted driver may move into an adjacent oreveryone on the road. For more information
opposing lane because of the force from the windabout safe driving and car accidents, visit the
and may not be able to avoid a crash.website of the Stevens Point car accident
- Watch for debris. High winds can cause debris toattorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.