Storm on the road. How to behave?

The presence of wind has a great influence on driving safety. Strong winds can push the vehicle off the track and cause obstacles such as broken branches to appear on the road. How should a driver behave in such conditions? The council was prepared by the instructors of the School of safe driving Renault.

1. Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands.

Thanks to this, in the event of a sudden gust of wind, you will be able to stick to your track.

2. Watch for objects and obstacles blown by the wind.

Strong winds can blow away debris, reducing visibility and distracting the driver if it falls on the hood of the vehicle. Broken branches and other obstacles may also appear on the road.

3. Align the wheels correctly

When the wind is blowing, the rider may try to adjust the camber slightly to suit the direction of the wind. Thanks to this, the force of the explosion can be balanced to some extent,” says Adam Knetowski, director of the Renault Driving School.

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4. Adjust the speed and distance

In strong winds, slow down - this gives you more chances to keep the track in a strong gust of wind. Drivers must also keep a greater distance than usual from vehicles in front.

5. Be vigilant near trucks and tall buildings.

On unprotected roads, bridges and when overtaking tall vehicles such as trucks or buses, we may be exposed to stronger winds. We also need to be prepared for sudden gusts of wind as we drive past tall buildings in populated areas.

6. Take care of the safety of motorcyclists and cyclists

Under normal conditions, the minimum legal distance required when overtaking a cyclist is 1 m, while the recommended distance is 2-3 m. Therefore, during a storm, drivers should be even more careful with two-wheeled vehicles, including motorcyclists, according to the Renault Driving School coaches.

7. Include the weather in your plans

Strong wind warnings are usually given in advance, so if possible it is best to either refrain from driving altogether or take a safer route (such as a road clear of trees) at this time, if possible.

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