8 effective tips to drive safely in strong wind and rain

Rain, snow and ice are not the only weather phenomena that threaten the safety of drivers behind the wheel. The wind, being an unpredictable factor, is always more dangerous on the road. If it blows with gusts it will be very strong. Here are some tips for driving in the wind in a totally safe way:

Pay attention to the direction of the wind.

In addition to looking at the landscape and the movement of the trees to confirm a windy day, there are certain sensations behind the wheel that can give you clues as to which direction the wind is blowing. In this way, you will be able to react with more time and success.

  • If you feel that the car is struggling to maintain speed, it means that the air is blowing from the front.
  • Also, if you feel the vehicle moving lighter, it means that the current is blowing from behind.
  • If you feel a jolt, it means the wind is blowing from the side. This is the most dangerous case.
  • Hearing more noise than usual in the passenger compartment is very common if there are strong gusts of wind.

Decelerate

The main problem with this meteorological phenomenon is that strong gusts of wind can cause the vehicle to deviate from its trajectory. For this reason, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) recommends reducing speed and using low gears. In addition, the DGT recommends using a high engine speed to maintain the trajectory of the car and its adherence to the asphalt.

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Drive in the center of the lane

It is best to drive in the center of the lane. If you stop at one of the two ends, an unexpected gust of wind can cause you to invade the opposite lane or end up in the ditch. Special care must be taken with secondary roads, because being narrower they make it difficult to react.

Beware of the “screen effect”

The “screen effect” occurs when a car passes a larger car in strong side drafts and the wind suddenly stops. It causes you to slightly lose control of the car’s steering. In these cases, it is best to hold the steering wheel firmly to avoid sudden movements. And it is also better to slightly reduce the speed and position of the car wheels pointing towards the direction of the wind. It makes a very short flyer that turns to get back on the correct path as soon as possible.

Image by David Mark from Pixabay.

Caution in tunnels and bridges

You must bear in mind that when entering an underpass, the force of the wind pushes the car to stop. When the air leaves, it will return with a different intensity and direction than it did before entering the tunnel. On the other hand, when going over a bridge it is also recommended to exercise extreme caution. Because these constructions are usually unprotected from the wind.

Beware of heavy vehicles

Heavy vehicles such as trucks, vans or buses pose an additional risk when driving in strong gusts of wind. Because their heavy weight means they can easily lose their balance. You should also be careful with vehicles that are accompanied by a trailer. In these cases, it is best to overtake, separating as much as possible from this type of vehicle.

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Check tire pressure

It is very important that you always check the condition and pressure of your tires. Will follow this especially when weather conditions are unfavorable.

Attention to possible objects on the road

You should always be alert, since in episodes of strong winds it is very common to see plastic bags or other objects rolling along the road. On the way you also have to be careful with possible landslides.

Make your trip smart and safe

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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn

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