GREENSBORO, N.C. — Driving in rain can increase your risk of crashing, but driving in heavy winds can be just as dangerous. It's best to stay off the road during gusty winds, but if you must be out and about here are some safety rules to keep in mind.
The National Weather Service recommends the following:
- Keep both hands on the steering wheel and slow down.
- Stay Alert. Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path.
- Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes. Strong wind gusts could push a car outside of its lane of travel.
- Take extra care in high-profile vehicles like trucks, vans, SUVs, and trailers. The National Weather Service said these are more prone to be pushed or even flipped by high wind gusts.
- If the winds are too strong to drive safely, get to the shoulder of the road and stop.
- If you must stop your vehicle, make sure you are away from trees or tall objects that could fall on your car. Stay in the car and turn on the hazard lights until the wind subsides.