Not everyone understands that driving in the wind is a very big risk and that’s why I came up with the question “when is it too windy to drive a car?“
It is important that you know when windy conditions are a risk to your safety and driving skills.
Hence in this article, you’ll learn how to tell if it’s dangerous to drive when there’s a lot of wind. You’d also learn when it’s time to stop driving.
If you’re driving on a windy day and you feel like your car is being blown about, the safest thing to do is to slow down. Or better yet, you can decide to pull over somewhere safe and wait until the weather calms down.
Is It Dangerous To Drive In High Winds?
Driving in high winds can be dangerous, but you don’t have to put yourself at risk. Wind gusts can make driving feel like an adventure.
They can also make driving difficult and even dangerous if you’re going too fast for the conditions.
But if you drive with caution and common sense, there’s no need to worry about being blown away by high winds.
Most cars have stability control systems that help prevent skidding during high-wind conditions.
These systems work by cutting engine power when the car starts to slide sideways or lose traction on its tires.
If you’re having trouble staying on course when driving through high winds, turn off your cruise control and slow down.
High winds can cause damage to buildings and trees, which can then fall on cars and people.
That said, if you’re being careful and following all the rules of the road, you should be fine!
Note: High winds can also cause power outages, which may leave you stranded on the road if you run out of gas or lose power to your car's electronics.
Is It Dangerous To Drive In 20 Mph Winds
You know the drill: you’re driving down the highway, and it’s a beautiful day, you’re and feeling like you can go faster than the speed limit.
Then, BAM!
A sudden gust of wind blows past your face as you pass a truck on the side of the road.
Suddenly, your car feels like it’s not in control of itself.
Then you’re even scared to drive so slowly because you think you might be going too fast for the conditions.
But is that an issue? How fast do 20 mph winds actually have to blow before they become dangerous? And how does this affect me as a driver?
There are very few cases where winds of 20 mph or higher cause any problems for drivers and even fewer where those winds are directly responsible for accidents.
So how do we know whether or not those winds are dangerous? Well, there has been some research done on this topic.
Tip: If you're always driving in gusty conditions, be mindful of your safety and the safety of others.
Based On Studies
The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement that warns of dangerous winds that could cause accidents and injuries.
The NWS advises people to stay off the roads if they experience 20 mph winds or higher.
Wind speeds in this range are most dangerous for cars with high-mounted steering wheels.
In addition, the NWS says that high-speed vehicles pose the greatest risk from wind damage due to their aerodynamic shapes and size.
Tip: Drivers should also avoid driving in areas where there is a danger of falling trees or limbs down from overhead wires or power lines.
Tips For Driving Safely In High Winds
How can you be on vacation and still be driven by whether that be a cold day, rain, or even snow?
Driving in high winds can be a real challenge. It’s important to know how to handle yourself in these conditions, so you can keep yourself and your passengers safe.
If you’re driving in high winds, there are a few things to keep in mind. Driving is not recommended; you should only drive if it’s absolutely necessary.
If you do decide to drive, make sure that you’re wearing your seatbelt and obeying all traffic rules.
You should also keep your speed down, as the wind will make it harder for you to control your vehicle at higher speeds.
If your car has an automatic transmission, be sure to shift up into higher gears before any sustained gusts reach 20 mph or more.
Note: The higher gears will allow your car to maintain a steady speed without needing as much throttle.
If you’re driving in high winds, here are some things you should do:
Tip #1: Slow Down!
Driving in high winds is much more dangerous than driving in normal conditions because of how wind can affect your car’s stability.
Slowing down can help you avoid skidding and minimize damage to your vehicle if you do get into an accident.
Tip #2: Stay Away From Trees
Wind can blow branches off trees, which can be a serious safety hazard for drivers.
If you see a tree branch hanging low over the road, get out of its way. Even if it means going off the road or putting on your hazard lights until the branch passes by safely.
Tip #3: Watch Out For Debris
Large amounts of debris blown onto the road may not only cause damage to your car but also make it difficult for other drivers to see.
They might not be able to see what’s happening around them as they drive through high winds and heavy rainstorms (which often accompany high winds).
Disadvantages Of Driving In High Winds
Driving in high winds can be a little bit of an adventure, but it’s also really important to know the risks you’re taking when you decide to go for a drive.
Here are some of the main disadvantages of driving in high winds:
#1: It Can Make Seeing Difficult
It’s hard to see, especially at night when it’s dark outside.
The wind and rain can make seeing other cars and road hazards very difficult and can blow debris onto roads.
This makes them dangerous if you hit one with your car.
#2: It Can Affect Your Car Handling
The wind can affect how your car handles on the road, causing you to lose control of it or get stuck in traffic.
This is usually due to poor visibility from other drivers who don’t see you coming up behind them because they’re having trouble seeing through their windshield wipers!
#3: It Can Cause a Power Outage
High winds can cause power outages.
This means that you could get stuck on the road for hours without any way to charge your phone or other devices.
#4: It Can Cause Damage To Trees And Buildings
High winds can also cause damage to buildings and trees along the roads.
This, in turn, could lead to falling branches or large rocks being thrown at vehicles as they pass by.
#5: It Increases The Risk Of Accidents
Driving in high winds also increases your risk of getting into an accident.
Since it’s difficult for other drivers on the road to see around them due to poor visibility, an accident might occur.
Note: Dust being kicked up by other vehicles' tires hitting the pavement (or whatever else) could cause impaired vision resulting in an accident.
When Is It Too Windy To Drive A Car?
When it comes to driving in the wind, you want to make sure that you’re not driving too fast for the conditions.
But how do you know when it’s too windy to drive a car?
The answer isn’t black and white, but there are some tips that can help you decide if it’s safe to hit the road or not.
Tip #1: Check Your Car For A Wind Deflector
First, consider whether or not your vehicle is equipped with a wind deflector.
If so, make sure that it’s installed correctly and securely before heading out into a windy area.
Tip #2: Check Other Vehicles For Any Signs Of Distress
Look for signs of distress on other vehicles around you: are they shaking uncontrollably? Do they appear to be having difficulty when turning corners?
These are signs that the weather may be too severe for them and should be avoided by drivers as well.
Tip #3: Listen Closely For Sirens
Listen closely for sirens.
If they’re going off around you, then chances are high winds are going strong enough to warrant caution from other drivers as well.
Conclusion
If you are wondering, “when is it too windy to drive?”
When wind gusts get above a certain speed, driving becomes unsafe and you’ll have to find someplace to stop and wait until the weather calms down.
This threshold varies depending on the type of car you’re driving.
But here is a general rule of thumb: if the wind speed is causing debris to fly into your car or you find yourself having trouble steering because of the wind, stop and don’t drive until the weather clears up.
