When it comes to storms, we tend to think of lightning and rain as the biggest risks, particularly when driving. However, wind causes a huge amount of damage and can make driving even the shortest route a challenge. It’s not just high-sided vehicles that need to be wary when driving in high winds. We look at how you can avoid taking risks in gale-force conditions.
Be prepared
The key to all travel safety is to be prepared. In the case of storms, this means listening to the news for road closures and advice before you embark on your journey, making sure that someone knows where you are going and which route you will take, and ensuring that your phone is fully charged, just in case you need to get help. Regardless of the advice on the radio, if conditions are terrible but the roads are still open, consider whether you really need to travel. If the answer is “no”, you are safer staying at home for all but essential purposes.
Slow down
The key to safe driving is to adapt your driving to your conditions. Long, dry, straight road with great visibility? Brilliant, go as fast as you like (within legal limits, of course!). But add blustery wind, rain or fog and you have to adapt your speed. You don’t know what could blow into the road, there could be fallen trees, branches or even road signs blocking your road ahead, or oncoming traffic could be affected by similar issues and veer into your side of the road. So, slow down and stay alert for hazards up ahead.
Increase your stopping distance
In more challenging conditions, it can take you longer to stop. The general advice is to leave a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front, although many skilled driving instructors will recommend that you leave a three-second gap, just to be on the safe side. In adverse conditions, it is a good idea to go for four seconds.
Hold Steady
As well as the risk of sudden gusts catching your vehicle and pushing you off the road, be aware of other road users, especially smaller vehicles (small cars, bikes, motorbikes etc), who will be more affected by wind. Keep a firm grip on your wheel and be sure to leave a little extra space when overtaking.
Think before you park
Storm safety isn’t just about how you drive, you need to consider where you park, too. We’ve all seen those images of cars parked by a river floating away in a storm; none of us want to be that person, so park wisely! If it is stormy, don’t park next to a river, under trees, or anywhere else where there is a risk of being hit by debris.
Brush up
Driving in a range of conditions can be nerve-wracking. If you lack confidence driving, it may be worth taking a few refresher lessons with a trusted driving instructor. This will boost your confidence and safety, as well as undo any bad habits you may have picked up along the way!
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