High winds are an often-overlooked driving danger, responsible for numerous auto accidents.
Today is a prime example of the types of high winds you can experience in the Antelope Valley which is why the team at Telesis Collision Center encourages you to take extreme caution when driving a vehicle in high winds or any type of severe weather.
Here are just a few high wind driving safety tips to keep in mind:
- Plan ahead. Leave extra time, as your drive may take longer due to the need to drive more slowly in high winds.
- Always wear a seatbelt.
- Slow your speed to a safe driving speed and turn on your headlights if needed, to account for potentially lower visibility created by blowing dust, sand, snow or rain.
- Keep your hands firmly on the wheel.
- Make steering corrections when driving from wind-protected areas to unprotected areas. The wind may suddenly move your car when traveling from a protected to unprotected area.
- Be aware of and maintain safe distances from other vehicles near you, particularly RVs, campers, trucks, buses, or trailers being towed. These vehicles could swing out and hit your vehicle in sudden wind gusts.
- Take extra care in a high-profile vehicles such as trucks, vans, SUVs, or when towing a trailer, as these are more prone to being pushed or flipped by high winds.
- Watch for objects that could potentially blow into the roadway. Tree limbs may break and/or other debris may come loose during strong winds.
- Listen to the radio for changes in weather conditions that could create more dangerous driving.
- If winds are severe enough to prevent safe driving, pull over into a safe parking area (the shoulder of a busy roadway is not safe) and stop, making sure you are away from trees, power lines or other tall objects that could fall onto your vehicle.
- When arriving at your destination, avoid parking near trees, downed power lines and buildings.
In the event of downed power lines:
- Never drive over downed power lines. Even if they have been knocked over by the wind, high-voltage wires may still be alive and very dangerous.
- Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches.
- Report downed lines to your local utility emergency center and to the police.
With these high wind safety tips in mind you’re better prepared to for unforeseen weather and road conditions.
Telesis Collision Center in Palmdale reminds you to drive safe
Give us a call today at (661) 274-2719 or visit us online at www.telesiscollision.com.