The Institute of Advanced Motorists, a charity working to improve road safety, has issued a set of top tips for driving safely in windy weather.
As severe gales and windy weather sweep across the UK, the road safety charity IAM has published a set of useful tips for driving in windy weather conditions. The IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger, who wrote the tips himself, underlines the importance of this advice saying, "I have seen a parked car moved by the wind. Don't underestimate how powerful it is and how it can affect you whilst in the car."
Top Tips
Make sure that you plan your journey with the weather in mind. Is there a route with less exposure to the elements and a lower risk of obstacles such as fallen trees? If possible you should always choose a sheltered route.
Strong winds are not constant, but instead come in gusts. Because of this you should be certain you are holding the steering wheel firmly at all times.
Overtaking high-sided vehicles or driving past buildings can result in a sudden gust from the side as you go past them. Be aware of this.
It is important to give cyclists, motorbikes, lorries and buses more space that you normally would. They get blown off course by side winds more easily.
Watch bushes aand trees at the side of the road. The waving branches can give you a good indication how strong the wind is. Look well ahead so you do not need to take your eyes off the road to do this, and so you can see any windy patches ahead and prepare yourself before you reach them.
Drive slowly enough to cope with sudden gusts. Wind can reduce a car's handling and increase braking distances by getting underneath the vehicle.
Watch other vehicles to see where drivers ahead are being affected. This way you can get an advanced warning of any trouble spots where the wind is high.
Maintain extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Watch out for debris, and try to have space beside you in case you need to dodge something.
