The General Directorate of Traffic reminds that motorists must be very careful in these cases
The wind can be a very dangerous foe when it comes to taking a long trip, as it can alter the vehicle’s trajectory and throw it into the media, into another car, or take it off the road in an instant. When the wind blows in gusts or when the so-called screen effect occurs (when exiting tunnels or when passing large buildings or overtaking heavy vehicles) these are the most dangerous moments.
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) warns of the danger of driving on the highway during days with strong gusts of wind. Therefore, on days with strong winds, the DGT reminds drivers to be extremely careful in these cases and recommends following a series of tips.
1. Always hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands and pay close attention when exiting tunnels, passing a building or overtaking a truck, situations where the force of the wind may increase due to the screen effect.
2. The driver must be informed about the direction of the wind in order to be warned. To do this, drivers should pay attention to the windsocks placed on bridges and sensitive areas or, if there are none, observe the vegetation.
3. In addition to maximum attention and the correct position of the hands, the driver must reduce speed depending on the wind force and adapt it to the situation.
4. If the car has a roof rack, when cycling, the lateral thrust can worsen and increase, with the danger that this entails. On days with strong gusts of wind, it is best not to wear anything on the roof. If you have no other choice, it is advisable to use boxes or luggage boxes designed with soft and closed shapes that affect aerodynamics as little as possible. Driving in these conditions requires increased attention from the driver, so extreme caution is advised at all times.
If you are driving on a highway with a strong wind from the right, you will always have to turn the steering wheel a little to this side to overcome that push. When overtaking a truck, the wind stops due to the screen effect. Then your car will tend to approach the truck with some danger, so you will have to straighten the steering wheel before this happens. When you overtake the truck, the wind pushes the car to the left, so you have to steer a little to the right again.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
