What wind does to a vehicle
Wind pushes on the side of a vehicle with a force that rises quickly as the wind strengthens. A tall, flat-sided vehicle presents a large area to the wind, so it is pushed harder than a low sedan. Vans, trucks, buses, motorhomes, vehicles with roof boxes and anything pulling a trailer or caravan are in this group. Light vehicles can also be moved sideways in strong gusts, particularly if the load is high or the tires are worn.
The risk is usually not a steady wind, which you can allow for, but sudden changes: a gust at an exposed gap, the moment you leave the shelter of a hill or building, or the pocket of air as you pass a large truck.
Where gusts are most likely
- open stretches of road, such as farmland, coastal roads and high plateaus
- bridges and viaducts, which are exposed on both sides
- gaps between buildings, embankments or hills where wind funnels
- the exit from a tunnel, cutting or tree-lined section
- passing or being passed by large vehicles, which block the wind and then release it
Warning signs, often wind socks or “crosswind” symbols, mark known problem spots. Bridge authorities in many places restrict high-sided vehicles in high winds, so check for local alerts.
Driving a car in a crosswind
- Slow down. Lower speed gives more time to react and reduces the force of the wind on the car. Do not exceed a speed at which you feel in control.
- Hold the wheel firmly, with both hands. Keep a steady grip without gripping so tightly that you over-correct.
- Expect the push and make small corrections. If a gust moves the car, steer gently back. Large sudden movements can cause a swerve into another lane.
- Leave extra room. Give more space to the sides, because your position may shift. Keep a longer following distance too, since you might have to react to others being blown about.
- Be careful with cyclists and motorcyclists. They can be moved suddenly sideways. Leave extra space when passing.
- Watch for debris. Branches, bins and fallen objects may be on the road. Look further ahead than usual.
Strong wind often comes with rain, which makes the road slippery and cuts visibility. The advice for heavy rain applies on top of these steps.
Driving high-sided vehicles
If you drive a van, truck, minibus or motorhome, the same principles apply with greater force.
- Check weather and wind forecasts before a journey. Many weather services give gust speeds as well as average speeds. If gusts are forecast to be very strong, consider postponing the trip, especially if you are traveling empty or lightly loaded, which makes a tall vehicle less stable.
- Reduce speed earlier and more than you would in a car.
- Load heavy items low and distribute them evenly. Secure everything so it cannot shift.
- Keep an eye on bridge, tunnel and road authority warnings. Some roads close to high-sided vehicles in high winds, and these closures are for good reason.
- If you feel the vehicle becoming unstable, ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly. Do not brake hard in a gust.
- Take breaks. Driving in wind is tiring because of the constant corrections.
Any specific wind speeds at which a vehicle becomes unsafe depend on the vehicle, its load and its design, so follow the manufacturer’s and authorities’ guidance, not a number from a general article.
Pulling a trailer in the wind
A trailer or caravan can be pushed sideways by wind and can begin to sway. Pulling a trailer in strong wind raises the risk of losing control, and in extreme conditions it is often best not to tow at all.
If you do tow:
- Keep to a lower speed and avoid sudden steering or braking.
- Stay within the vehicle’s rated towing capacity and make sure the trailer is loaded with weight toward the front of the trailer, as the owner’s manual recommends. Poor weight distribution makes sway more likely.
- Check that tires are at the correct pressure on both car and trailer.
- If the trailer starts to sway, ease off the accelerator, keep the steering straight and avoid heavy braking until it settles. Some vehicles have trailer stability systems, but they do not replace careful driving.
- Be especially careful when large trucks pass you, since the pressure wave and then the sudden gap can set off swaying.
- Think about whether the journey needs to happen at all that day.
Roof loads, boxes and bikes
Anything on the roof raises the car’s height and catches the wind. A roof box, bike rack, kayak or cargo carrier can increase drag, add to sway and use more fuel.
- Follow the roof load limit in your owner’s manual, which includes the weight of the rack itself.
- Make sure racks and loads are properly fastened, and recheck after the first few miles, since straps and clamps can loosen.
- Wind noise or a whistling sound can be a sign that something has moved.
- Remove roof boxes and racks when you do not need them; you will usually notice less noise and better stability.
- Lighter, flatter items such as tarps are more prone to catch the wind. Secure them well or avoid carrying them in strong winds.
If the wind is too strong
Sometimes the best decision is to stop. Look for a safe place to wait, away from trees, power lines, signs and tall buildings that could fall. Avoid parking under trees. If you break down in strong wind, a highway breakdown is more dangerous and an emergency kit with a reflective triangle and high-visibility clothing helps.
After a storm, watch for fallen branches and lines on the road, and treat dead traffic signals as an all-way stop. Do not drive over downed power lines, and keep well away from them. Call the local authority or emergency services to report them.