High winds can make driving much more challenging than most new drivers expect. Gusts can push a vehicle sideways, affect steering, and make it harder to maintain control, especially at highway speeds or in open areas. Understanding the risks and taking the right precautions can prevent collisions and make driving in windy conditions safer.
How High Winds Affect Your Vehicle
High winds create forces that can move your car, truck, or SUV unexpectedly. Crosswinds can cause the vehicle to sway, drift out of its lane, or react suddenly when passing large trucks. Even moderate gusts may feel harmless at first but can be amplified on bridges, overpasses, and open roads.
New drivers may not notice these effects until they are actively trying to steer, brake, or maintain lane position. Vehicles with higher profiles, like vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks, are particularly affected because the wind can push them more easily than lower, heavier cars.
Causes, Risks, and Safe Driving Actions
High winds can create multiple challenges for drivers, and understanding them helps new drivers stay safe.
One major cause of difficulty is strong gusts. Sudden bursts of wind can push a vehicle sideways or make it feel like it’s swaying unexpectedly. This is especially noticeable when driving on bridges, overpasses, or open roads with no natural windbreaks. Even a short gust can surprise an inexperienced driver, leading to abrupt steering corrections that can increase the risk of a collision.
Passing large vehicles is another common scenario that can create problems. When you drive next to a semi-truck or bus, the wind flowing around the bigger vehicle can create turbulence, causing your car to jerk or drift slightly in its lane. New drivers often overreact to these movements, which can make the situation worse.
Open areas like flat farmland or highways with few trees and buildings also increase wind effects. Without barriers to block or slow the wind, gusts hit the vehicle directly, and even moderate winds can feel strong. In urban areas, wind tunnels form when wind is funneled between buildings or over bridges. Drivers may not notice the increased speed or force of these gusts until the car suddenly sways.
The risks from high winds include difficulty keeping the vehicle centered in the lane, reduced reaction time, and a greater chance of being pushed toward other vehicles or off the road. High-profile vehicles, like SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks, are particularly vulnerable because their larger surface area makes them easier for the wind to move. But even low-profile cars can be affected in extreme gusts.
There are several safe driving actions that help mitigate these risks. Keeping both hands on the steering wheel improves control and allows for smoother corrections when needed. Slowing down gives you more time to respond to unexpected sways or gusts. Maintaining extra distance behind larger vehicles reduces the impact of turbulence when passing or being passed. New drivers should also stay alert for sudden changes in wind, especially on bridges, overpasses, and open stretches of road.
By understanding the causes, recognizing the risks, and taking practical precautions, new drivers can reduce the likelihood of collisions caused by high winds. Awareness and preparation are the best tools for staying safe when gusts hit unexpectedly.
Wind Speed
You don’t need technical measurements to understand when wind becomes a hazard. Winds that make flags wave strongly, move tree branches, or cause vehicles to sway noticeably should be taken seriously. Moderate gusts may be manageable for experienced drivers, but strong or sustained winds can make even short trips risky. Paying attention to how the wind feels on the road helps everyone make safer decisions about when and how to drive.
When Not to Drive
Some conditions are simply too dangerous for driving in high winds. If gusts are strong enough to move your vehicle, or if storms include debris, falling branches, or low visibility, it’s safer to wait it out. Pulling over in a safe location, like a parking lot or rest area, and waiting it out, is often the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drive in high winds?
Driving in high winds is risky, especially for new drivers. Safety depends on wind strength, vehicle type, and road conditions. Taking precautions can reduce risks, but sometimes it’s best to avoid driving altogether.
How strong is too strong to drive in high winds?
If gusts make your vehicle sway or drift significantly, or if you feel unstable behind the wheel, that’s too strong.
Why do cars sway or drift in strong winds?
Crosswinds push against the side of the car, causing it to move sideways or feel unstable. Large vehicles like SUVs or trucks are more affected because they have bigger surfaces for the wind to push against.
Are high winds more dangerous for new drivers?
Yes. New drivers may overreact, underreact, or fail to anticipate gusts. Limited experience with steering adjustments and lane control increases the risk of collisions.
Which vehicles are most affected by high winds?
High-profile vehicles such as vans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and trailers are most affected. Low cars are generally more stable, but all vehicles can sway in strong gusts.
How should you steer when driving in strong crosswinds?
Keep both hands on the wheel and steer gently into the gust to maintain lane position. Avoid overcorrecting, which can cause sudden swerving or loss of control.
When should drivers pull over in high winds?
If the wind pushes your vehicle unexpectedly, reduces visibility, or creates hazardous conditions, pull over to a safe area and wait until it subsides.
Do high winds make highway driving more dangerous?
Yes. The combination of high speeds, open exposure, and passing trucks amplifies wind effects. Slower, controlled speeds can improve stability.
What should new drivers do before driving in high winds?
Check weather forecasts, secure loose items in or on the vehicle, plan an alternate route if needed, and make sure your tires and brakes are in good condition.
Can high winds cause car collisions?
Yes. Gusts that sway or push a vehicle unexpectedly can lead to lane departures, crashes with other vehicles, or collisions with roadside objects. Being prepared and cautious is key to preventing these situations.
What to Do Next
Driving in high winds is one of many challenging winter conditions new drivers face. Completing a driving safety course can help teens and new drivers learn how to handle gusty conditions, icy roads, and other seasonal hazards. These skills reduce the risk of collisions and build confidence behind the wheel.
Interested in learning more about traffic safety?
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Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.