Worried about driving in wind gusts? Knowing what wind speed is dangerous for driving can keep you safe on the road.
Rain, snow, and icy road conditions aren’t the only weather-related dangers that drivers face. Driving when windy can also be hazardous, as strong gusts can cause you to veer off the road or collide with others. In this guide, we’ll cover how windy is too windy to drive and provide some expert tips so you can arrive safely at your destination.
- When Is It Too Windy To Drive A Car?
- Dangerous Wind Speeds For Driving
- How To Stay Safe While Driving In Wind
Get the Tempest Home Weather System for real-time wind data at home and the WEATHERmeter for accurate readings on the go.
When Is It Too Windy To Drive A Car?
Can you drive in high winds? Up to a certain point, yes. However, driving becomes more dangerous and difficult as wind speeds increase. At high wind speeds, drivers may lose control of their vehicles as sudden gusts of wind pull them off course. It can push drivers off the road or into nearby lanes, which may cause collisions with other drivers.
This is especially true for high-profile vehicles, like semis, which have a larger surface area and higher center of gravity. These factors make them more susceptible to blowovers in windy conditions. For this reason, some states have started restricting vehicles of certain sizes and weights from driving when there’s a high wind weather warning to prevent wind-related accidents, road closures, and fatalities.
Plus, high winds can blow dust and debris onto the roadway, creating further driving hazards as drivers’ visibility is reduced.
Dangerous Wind Speeds For Driving
You can, and should, learn how to drive in high winds safely. However, it’s also important to know when you should make alternative travel plans. Be advised that the following suggestions may vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive, debris in the area, and other roadway conditions that impact safe driving, like ice or precipitation.
Is It Safe To Drive In 20 mph Winds?
20 mph winds are generally considered safe for driving all types of vehicles. Light vehicles or motorcycles may start to feel a push or pull from the wind, especially when driving in open areas where wind gusts tend to be stronger.
Is It Safe To Drive In 30 mph Winds?
Driving in 30 mph winds is doable, though it requires more caution. You may feel some light tugging that affects your control over the vehicle, and you may find it difficult to maintain a straight path. In these conditions, make sure to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to maintain your control and reduce your speed to improve reaction times.
Is It Safe To Drive In 50 mph Winds?
Wind speeds of 50 mph or higher create hazardous driving conditions, and you should only travel if necessary. Drivers of light or high-profile vehicles should avoid travel, as there’s a high risk of veering off the road or tipping over. If you must travel in these conditions, slow down, keep your hands on the wheel, and stay alert to falling objects or debris.
Is It Safe To Drive In 100 mph Winds?
Driving in 100 mph winds is extremely unsafe and often impossible due to the severe damage it can cause to vehicles and infrastructure. If you find yourself on the road in such conditions, seek shelter immediately. If you’re at home, stay off the road entirely until the hurricane-force winds subside.
Download the WindAlert app to stay safe on the road with live wind forecasts and real-time alerts.
How To Stay Safe While Driving In Wind
Before you hit the road, check the weather forecast along your route to understand the type of wind you’ll encounter. If possible, choose an alternate route to avoid unsafe driving conditions. However, if you must drive in high winds, stay safe with the following windy driving tips:
- Drive with both hands on the wheel: It’s easier to keep your vehicle steady amid gusty winds when driving with a firm grip using both hands.
- Keep your distance: Give yourself extra room around other vehicles, semis, and cyclists in case you or others start to veer.
- Avoid driving high-profile vehicles: If possible, drive a low-profile vehicle and avoid towing on days when high wind speeds are expected.
- Drive with the wind: Try to use routes that run parallel with the wind direction rather than perpendicular.
Get Accurate Local Wind Speed Readings With The Tempest Weather System
Learning how to drive in windy conditions can help you stay safe on the road. But keep in mind that driving at wind speeds above 50 mph is not recommended.
You can use a wind vane or other types of weather instruments to monitor wind conditions in your area. But an advanced home weather system offers the most precise local forecast available. Combining real-time observations with machine learning-powered modeling, the Tempest Home Weather System offers detailed weather data, including wind speed, direction, gusts, and more, to help you safely plan your travel.
Shop the Tempest Home Weather System today for a guaranteed better weather forecast for managing all weather-driven decisions. The Tempest WEATHERmeter and WindAlert app are also great tools to have on the go.