When you’re driving anywhere in high winds, it can be extremely dangerous. However, attempting to drive on the motorway can be especially dangerous in strong winds and heavy downpours.
There’s been a lot of storms battering the UK lately, so what better time to discover some key safety tips to ensure you stay safe when driving on the motorway? Below, you’ll discover some of the best tips you can follow to enhance your safety.
Double check your tyres
When it’s windy and rainy, you’re going to need to make sure your tyres are safe and have the minimum legal tread depth. In fact, you’ll want to make sure the entire car is in excellent condition to avoid potential damage. If the tyres haven’t been changed in some time, it’s a good idea to change them before driving in extreme weather conditions.
It could even be worth considering investing in a new car if you’ve had your existing one for many years. You can purchase affordable cars from companies such as the AA.
Be aware of the vehicles around you
One of the most dangerous parts of driving on the motorway in strong winds and rain, is the other vehicles surrounding you. The motorway can get extremely busy, particularly during peak times, and in strong weather conditions, this can quickly become really dangerous. So, remember to keep a lookout for potential hazards coming from other drivers, and ensure you drive a little further away from them than you usually would.
Drive slower than usual
During strong winds and heavy rain, you have double the number of hazards to worry about. Firstly, the rain will cause issues with visibility, as well as make the road slippery. Then, there’s the dangers which come from the strong winds.
Did you know the gusts of wind can easily get under the car, causing issues with handling and braking? Making sure you drive slower will help you to avoid being taken surprise by sudden gusts of winds and reduce the risk your tyres will slip on the road.
Hold the steering wheel firmly
As you’re driving along the motorway in high winds, you’ll want to keep a firm hold of your steering wheel. Gusts of wind can come on suddenly, taking you by surprise. If you’re overtaking a lorry, you could also find your car slammed by a sudden gust of wind once you get passed it. So, keeping a firm grip of the wheel will prevent you from losing control when sudden gusts of winds do occur.
The above are just some of the best tips you can follow to stay safe when driving on the motorway in strong winds and rain. The key is to be much more vigilant than usual so you can easily spot potential hazards.