If you’re a resident of North Carolina or you happen to travel there frequently, you’re probably well aware that springtime can be very windy and there are even tornados.
To protect yourself and others while you’re on the road, here are some tips for driving in windy conditions:
Slow down
The faster your vehicle is moving, the harder it is to control in high winds. If you have a high-profile vehicle like a truck or a sport utility vehicle, it can turn over when going too fast.
Watch for debris
While it’s always important not to drive distracted, high winds make it even more dangerous. A peeled tire, a piece of cardboard or a tree limb can come crashing toward your car, hit your window and cause a wreck. It’s also possible that a truck on the road with you could lose a load that’s not properly secured. Put your cell phone away, stop chatting with passengers and stay vigilant.
Make way for big rigs
If you see a semitruck or delivery van on the road, give it plenty of space. While delivery drivers have training and should know how to handle high winds, that doesn’t mean accidents can’t happen. A particularly strong gust of wind can topple a truck very suddenly.
Watch for tornados
If you see signs of a tornado, don’t take shelter under an overpass. Many people mistakenly think that’s what they’re supposed to do — but it’s actually very dangerous. If the tornado is far enough away, try to find a truck stop, store or other large building and get inside. If there’s no time to evade the tornado, it’s recommended that you stay inside your car with your seatbelt on and your head covered with a coat or blanket.
While some accidents are unavoidable in high winds, others are the result of poor planning and poor driving. If you’re hurt in an accident with a driver who was reckless in windy weather, consider learning more about your legal options.
