Most drivers think about wind only when a gust suddenly pushes the car toward the next lane.
By then, the safest choices are already harder to make.
Strong wind can shove a vehicle sideways, throw debris onto the road and bring down trees and power lines.
It can also tip over trucks, campers and trailers.
This guide explains how to prepare for a windy drive, how to keep control when gusts hit and when to stop.
Why wind is a driving hazard
Wind rarely blows at a steady speed.
It comes in gusts that hit without warning and then fade away.
Each gust pushes against the side of your vehicle and can nudge it out of its lane.
The California Driver Handbook notes that high winds are especially hazardous for larger vehicles.
It names trucks, campers and vehicles with trailers.
These vehicles have tall, flat sides that catch the wind like a sail.
Gusts often feel strongest on open stretches of road and on bridges.
They also hit hard where a road leaves the shelter of hills, buildings or trees.
Wind often arrives with thunderstorms, winter storms and dust storms, which add their own dangers.
Before you leave: check the forecast
Look at the local forecast before any trip on a stormy day.
The National Weather Service advises going inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning.
If a warning covers your route, the safest choice is often to delay the trip.
If you must go, plan for a slower drive and extra time.
Secure anything on a roof rack or in a pickup bed. Loose items can blow out and become hazards for others.
If you are towing or driving a tall vehicle, think hard about waiting for calmer weather.
How to keep control when the wind picks up
The California handbook and the National Weather Service give very similar advice.
Slow down
The handbook says to reduce your speed in high winds.
Lower speed gives you better control of the vehicle.
It also gives you more time to react if a strong gust hits.
Hold the wheel firmly with both hands
Gusts are unpredictable, and a loose grip can let one push you out of your lane.
The handbook says to keep a firm hand position on the steering wheel.
The National Weather Service also advises holding the steering wheel with both hands and slowing down.
When a gust hits, make small, smooth steering corrections. Large, sudden moves can make things worse.
Turn off cruise control
The handbook says not to use cruise control in high winds.
You want full control of the accelerator if a gust strikes.
Stay alert and look ahead
Watch the road well ahead for branches, signs, trash cans and other debris.
The handbook says to give yourself enough time to react to road hazards.
Watch trees and flags along the road.
They show you how hard the wind is blowing and from which direction.
Give tall vehicles plenty of room
Trucks, buses and trailers are the most likely vehicles to be pushed around or blown over.
The National Weather Service advises keeping your distance from high-profile vehicles.
It names trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers.
It warns that one strong gust can be enough to flip a trailer onto its side.
Avoid driving alongside these vehicles for long.
If you need to pass, do it with a wide margin and a steady speed.
Expect a sudden change in wind pressure as you move beside them and again as you pass their front.
Leave extra following distance behind them, too. If they sway, you will have room to react.
If you drive a tall vehicle or tow a trailer
Your own vehicle may be the one most at risk.
Slow down more than other traffic and keep both hands on the wheel.
Check your owner's manual for any towing or wind guidance from the manufacturer.
Consider parking in a sheltered spot until the wind eases.
A short wait is far better than a rollover.
When to pull over
The California handbook says it may be safer to pull over and wait for the storm to pass.
Choosing where to stop matters.
The National Weather Service advises driving to a nearby sturdy building if you can.
If not, move your car to a spot where it is less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines.
If no sturdy building is close, the agency advises taking shelter inside your car.
Fallen trees and power lines
Strong wind often brings down branches, trees and utility lines.
The National Weather Service warns that power lines lying on the ground may be live.
Do not go near them, and do not drive over them.
Turn around and find another route.
When you are somewhere safe, report the downed line to the local utility or emergency services.
Dust storms: a special case
In dry regions, strong wind can lift dust and cut visibility to almost nothing within seconds.
The National Weather Service gives specific steps if you are driving in a dust storm:
- Pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible.
- Stop and turn off your lights.
- Set the emergency brake.
- Take your foot off the brake pedal so your taillights are not lit.
With your lights off, drivers behind you are less likely to mistake your parked car for a moving one.
If you cannot pull off the road, the advice changes.
Drive at a speed suitable for the visibility, turn your lights on and sound the horn now and then.
Use the painted center line to help guide you, and look for a safe place to pull off.
The National Weather Service is clear on one point: never stop on the traveled part of the roadway.
High wind driving checklist
- Check the forecast and any wind warnings before you leave.
- Secure cargo on the roof and in the truck bed.
- Slow down and keep both hands firmly on the wheel.
- Turn off cruise control.
- Make small, smooth steering corrections when gusts hit.
- Give trucks, buses and trailers plenty of room.
- Watch for debris, fallen branches and downed power lines.
- Pull over in a safe place, away from trees and power lines, if the wind gets worse.
The bottom line
Wind is easy to underestimate because you cannot see it coming.
Slow down, hold the wheel firmly and leave room around tall vehicles.
When the wind gets stronger than your comfort level, stopping in a safe spot is the smart move.
The trip can wait until the gusts die down.
Sources and Further Reading
- California DMV: California Driver Handbook, Section 8, Safe Driving — supports the high wind advice: reduce speed, keep a firm grip on the wheel, stay alert for debris, avoid cruise control, the extra risk for trucks, campers and trailers, and pulling over to wait out the storm.
- National Weather Service: During a High Wind Event — supports holding the wheel with both hands, keeping distance from high-profile vehicles, where to shelter while driving, the warning about downed power lines, and the dust storm steps.