Wind is stronger than you may think. In fact, in extreme conditions, high winds can uproot trees, send signs crashing forward, or blow a car out of a lane and off course. The taller a vehicle is, the higher its possibility of tipping over from a strong wind. Semi-trucks are especially prone to topple in the wind, because the strong gusts can catch on the top of the car, and take the entire vehicle down. Whenever the winds are raging, you will want to keep both hands on the wheel in be prepared for anything. No matter how experienced you are, sudden surprises can catch us all off guard.

There is a high possibility that a strong wind might blow you off course and out of your lane while travelling. Whenever the wind has picked up, counter the gusts with your wheel, slightly turning in towards the gales. Make sure to keep a wide bubble between you and other vehicles. Never drive beside another driver in the rain, since a forceful gust could send you sliding that direction. If you need to pass another vehicle, do so with extreme caution. It is best to wait until you are in a protected area, such as a canyon, where the wind is not as forceful. Be aware when you are driving on an exposed highway where there are no hills, mountains, buildings, or high walls to resist the wind.

If you are in a smaller automobile, try not to pass high-sided vehicles like semi-trucks during wind storms. If the truck was to tip, it could prove fatal for you and your passengers. If it is both windy and rainy, it is best for you to avoid driving. These extreme conditions make for slippery highways and heighten the probability of an accident. The lack of traction that your tires gain on the wet road makes your car especially prone to move in the strong gusts of wind. Other drivers are also struggling with keeping control of their vehicles, so even if you feel under control, you may still be in danger.

The faster you are driving, the farther you will be blown off course in a strong gale. Because of this, slow down on highways and freeways when you are driving in a windstorm. Remember that high-sided vehicles and caravans are the most likely to tip or sway in a wind storm. Take pains to make sure that you are far from these vehicles at all times. Also be aware of light vehicles like motorcycles and mopeds. If you break down during a windstorm, don't pull your car over to the shoulder and remain there.

If cars are blown off course, they will probably try to drift towards the edge of the road in order to avoid other vehicles, and may hit yours. Instead, try to get your car to a parking lot or a field, some place far from the highway. Never wait inside the car on the shoulder during gusty weather. If you have no choice but to leave your car near the median or the edge of the road, then you should always get out and wait a significant distance away from the vehicle.

During gales, the wind often picks of litter or gathers up debris in trucks and deposits it elsewhere. Some of this debris may show up on the roads, so you should always be aware. Look far in front of you for any fallen branches or trees. Hitting a large branch or a bulky object at 60 mph can be fatal at worst and damaging to your vehicle at least. You are more likely to encounter debris in the early morning or late night, when crews are not working and cannot quickly remove the obstacles from your roads. Last of all, when driving in the wind, always make sure to have a fully charged cell phone and warm weather resistant clothing. That way in case of an emergency, you are well prepared.