Strong wind outdoors. Should the driver behave differently than usual?

Strong gusts of wind are the most dangerous. - Such side gusts can also surprise drivers when overtaking large vehicles, exiting a tunnel, or even after crossing a section of road with noise barriers - explains Adam Bernard, director of the Renault Driving School. “One of the biggest mistakes drivers make is overcorrecting. For example, a sudden gust of wind can cause the car to deviate from the left lane, causing the driver to get nervous and quickly turn the steering wheel to the right in an attempt to steer the car into the correct lane. Unfortunately, such an overcorrection can actually result in loss of vehicle control, especially if the wind changes direction or speed again. It is better to make small adjustments, steadily and as calmly as possible.

What else you need to remember in strong winds?

• Keep more distance than usual from the vehicle in front, among other things, to give yourself and other drivers time to avoid debris such as branches that may appear on the road. The wind also kicks up dust, sand, or snow off the road, which can further reduce visibility on the road.

• Give more room on the road to cyclists and motorcyclists, as well as trucks and buses that change course more often due to strong winds.

• Hold the steering wheel firmly, but sensitively. Holding too hard can restrict movement and cause steering wheel jerks.

• Slow down - the faster the vehicle moves, the more vulnerable it is to sudden gusts of wind and the more difficult it is to control.