Driving a vehicle safely when high winds occur is never easy to do. It is best to pull over when storms pick up or when risky situations exist. When you cannot avoid it, or the storm suddenly occurs, knowing how to react is critical. How can you be a safe driver behind the wheel when winds pick up?
Staying Safe Means Paying Attention
During a storm, it is up to you to turn off the radio and keep the noise in the car to a low level. You need to be able to focus on what is happening on the road around you. Here are a few things to focus on while driving in high wind situations.
- Anticipate when the next gust of wind is coming. Be ready to react. This is a hard thing to judge, but might prove beneficial.
- Look around you at other cars. Notice where they are while driving. You want to be able to avoid them if your car begins to move.
- If you cannot see, do not drive. This is important. Pull over to the side of the road. Turn your flashing lights on. Wait until the storm passes.
- Slow down, grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands and do not take your eyes off the road ahead of you.
Make It Easy for Other Drivers to See You
Even if you are steady behind the wheel, someone else can hit you if they cannot see you. You have auto insurance to help cover these losses. However, avoiding these types of accidents is more important. To do so, turn your lights on. Be sure your window wipers are always moving. This can help someone to notice the movement of them. Stay far enough back and away from other drivers to avoid collisions. If you approach them, do so at a slower pace to allow the other driver to notice you.
Do Your Best Behind the Wheel
Take the task of driving seriously at this point. It is also important to focus on good driving skills. For example, keep both hands on the wheel. Focus your attention on what is happening around you. Be sure to keep a grip on the wheel even if you start to blow to the side. This is essential. When the wind stops, you will need to correct yourself. Do not try to overcompensate and pull the wheel back the opposite direction too quickly. This can cause the car to flip.
Learning to drive in high-risk situations like this is critical. They can happen anywhere. Your car insurance can help when an accident does occur, though.
Also Read: The Top 5 Mistakes Drivers Make When Getting Auto Insurance Quotes