10 tips for safe driving in strong winds
Extremely windy weather is forecast for the next few days, with sometimes very strong gusts and gusts of rain. Research by Vias Institute shows that in these weather conditions not only does the number of accidents increase, but also that the accidents are twice as serious. With these tips you can brave the wind in a safe way.
On average there are 94 injury accidents on a normal winter day, 105 on a rainy day. On a day with strong wind and rain we count 111 accidents – that is 17% more than on a normal day. These accidents are also twice as serious. There are 37 deaths per 1,000 injuries on a windy day, compared to 19 on a normal day. Enough reason to be extra careful. Because not only pedestrians and two-wheelers suffer from strong wind gusts, cars are also sensitive to strong winds, especially high and light vehicles and vehicles with trailers or caravans. In addition, all kinds of obstacles can be blown into the road.
Tips for defying the wind
Reduce your speed , especially on roads where the speed is high, as the wind has a greater influence there.
On highways , drive as far right as possible in the rightmost lane. This gives you a 'margin of safety' if you deviate to the left.
Hold onto your handlebars to keep your course nicely and to compensate for the effect of strong lateral winds.
Be extra careful in open areas such as bridges or stretches of highway with no vegetation on the sides.
Although the use of mobile phones without a hands-free kit is of course always prohibited and dangerous, it is even more dangerous in strong winds, as you only hold the steering wheel with one hand.
If possible, avoid roads with trees close to them.
Avoid overtaking as much as possible. In a gust of wind, the vehicle overtaking you can swing towards you.
Be extra careful when there are pedestrians . They too are affected by gusts of wind and can be unintentionally 'pushed' towards the road.
Inflate your tires properly : if not, or if your shock absorbers are in poor condition, your vehicle will be more sensitive to wind.
When you arrive at your destination, hold your door firmly when you open it and pay particular attention to pedestrians and cyclists.
And by bike?
Some of the advice for car drivers also applies to cyclists (hold the handlebars firmly, avoid wooded areas, etc). With a two-wheeler, however, the posture is particularly important in windy conditions. To be less bothered by gusts of wind, you as a cyclist must ensure that there are no loose or flapping parts (close the jacket properly, no panniers, etc.). Also allow more time to get to your destination, because headwinds slow your speed considerably.
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