With a red weather warning now in place, driving is going to be extremely hazardous. If you must drive, take a few moments to read up on some helpful advice.
Did you know that wind of 30mph or more is considered to be dangerous for drivers?
It seems like the storms are coming thick and fast at the moment, with now an unprecedented red warning in place presenting highly dangerous driving conditions.
When combined with heavy rain and wintry showers, it can make for hazardous driving conditions on all roads even if they are treated. Plus falling debris can also pose significant danger for both moving and stationary vehicles.
For high wind in particular, there are a few things that drivers can do to help control their car:
Check the Met Office
- Keep an eye on weather reports to monitor conditions and plan your journey if you must make any journeys.
Fully charge your phone
- In case of an emergency or road blockage, ensure our phone is fully charged before you set out.
Track traffic reports
- If you must make your journey, you also should monitor traffic reports ensuring there are no fallen trees/bridge closures on your route.
Both hands must be on the steering wheel
- You’ll probably already know that wind can really pull on the car, especially if you’re driving in exposed areas. If you only have a loose grip/one hand on the wheel, you don’t have full control to course correct if necessary. Often drivers jerk the car to overcorrect the car’s position and that can lead to a loss of control entirely.
Keep speed down
- If you keep slow and steady, you will have a greater chance of reacting to strong gusts of wind to help you stabilise your car and remain in control.
Take care on the motorway
- Often in adverse weather drivers opt to go on the motorway to avoid side roads however this can also present challenges as the faster you drive, the more sudden gusts can affect your manoeuvrability so it’s vital to keep speed down.
Be vigilant for debris
- Trees, branches, roof tiles, electricity poles can all be blown around during high winds so if you must travel, it’s important to remain alert and be prepared to avoid debris if it falls in your way.
Watch for high sided vehicles
- Be careful when you are near articulated lorries, vans and buses etc by keeping your distance. High sided vehicles have to cope with crosswinds and can often drift into different lanes or sides of the road.
Be careful in open areas
- Open spaces particularly rural areas here can pose greater risk of sudden gusts as there’s no shelter so be mindful of this particularly on bridges and coastal roads.
Remove roof items
- Roof racks, kayaks, bicycles – remove all items from your car roof before driving off to help stabilise the car in high winds.
