Driving in any type of hostile weather condition can be very difficult, particularly during certain seasons when high winds are much more prominent. Research suggests that approximately 24% of all accidents occur during bad weather conditions. Although high winds are often associated with hurricanes on the East coast and tornadoes in the Midwest, they are still commonplace during thunderstorms and winter storms. According to the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, high wind advisories are issued when wind gusts are expected to be between 31 and 39 miles per hour (mph) for at least an hour or for any wind gusts over 46 mph. Driving in such conditions can be very dangerous. The Ohio Department of Public Safety estimates that more than 200 traffic collisions occurred during severe crosswinds. Additionally more than 38,000 collisions were the result of a driver losing control of the vehicle which could occur due to high winds. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash caused by a reckless driver during high winds, the victim may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and more. For a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation of your claim, fill out the FREE CASE REVIEW form to your right its 100% FREE to submit.
Tips For Driving In High Winds
A car collision is just one of the many risks that come with driving in high winds. Not only can your vehicle quickly veer off course so could plenty of debris or another persons vehicle if they do not know how to properly handle the situation. Some tips for driving in high winds include:- Slow down. Large vehicles in particular such as vans and pick-up trucks are much more difficult to control during strong crosswinds.
- Maintain Control of the Wheel. Keeping both hands on the wheel can help you maintain better control of your vehicle when a strong wind gust hits you.
- Avoid Vehicles Towing Cargo. It is best to avoid vehicles such as tractor-trailers or smaller trucks towing boats or campers as they could easily sway due to the wind and rollover.
- Watch for Fallen Debris. Trees, power lines, and even loose furniture can quickly be thrown in the way of a vehicle during high wind conditions. Truck cargo that is not properly secured can also be thrown onto the road or the vehicle behind it.
- Avoid Stopping on Bridges. Stopping on a bridge makes it much easier for a vehicle to get pushed off as winds blow through bridge gratings.
