Driving a van in high winds

Safe driving in strong winds

Stormy weather can be quite nerve-wracking. But admiring the exceptional power of Mother Nature is fun and pleasant when you’re cozy with a good book by your fireplace. It’s a whole different story when you have to go outside and drive through the storm, especially if you’re driving a van. The high sides make vans more dangerous in strong winds than cars, so read on for our tips on how to drive safely in stormy weather.

Always take the weather with you

Keeping a close eye on the weather forecast is a good and logical start if a storm is approaching. You might be able to plan your trip around the weather to avoid the worst of the storm. Or cancel the trip entirely if it looks really bad.

Traffic information

Listening to traffic information before you leave is also obvious. Local radio stations and connected navigation systems are usually up-to-date, while social media can also be handy. For example, the National Traffic Information Service has a Twitter account where you can keep up with the latest news. Armed with your up-to-date details, you can plan your trip around heavy traffic, road closures, and blockages.

Prepare your trip

You will thank yourself if you have prepared your van well for potentially bad weather. Wind is often quickly followed by rain, so if a storm is coming, check things like your headlights, wipers, and tires before you leave to ensure your van is as well-prepared as possible.

Update your technology

Some modern vans are equipped with wind support technology to help you with your safety when the wind is raging. This can keep you stable during an unexpected gust and often works in combination with other features like lane and brake assistance.

Moderate your speed … duh!

The faster you drive, the harder it is to control your van in the wind. Braking is also affected, so moderating your speed is a good idea. And the faster you go, the less time you have to react to rapidly developing situations, whatever they may be. Do we need to go on?

Grip the steering wheel

Holding your steering wheel firmly with both hands can help you handle sudden gusts of wind. You might want to bring back the proven 10-to-2 position on the steering wheel for a firm grip.

Don’t let impatience take over

Knowing that sudden gusts of wind can arise, it’s wise to keep plenty of space when overtaking, especially when it comes to cyclists, motorbikes, and trucks. The latter group blocks the wind while you overtake, so be prepared for a gust of wind once you pass them. This applies to any vehicle larger than your van. If you’re unsure whether to overtake, keep your patience and wait until it’s really safe.

Give me some space

Also, keep your distance from vehicles in front and beside you when you’re not overtaking, especially other high vans and caravans, which can sway quite a bit in the wind.

Plan well

If you’re out with a caravan, you might want to pause if the weather gets really unfriendly. Why not park for the night and make yourself comfortable in your caravan instead of worrying about the swaying behind you. Towed trailers and horse trailers can also be dangerous in strong winds, so avoid these situations where possible.

Don’t overdo it

Your van is probably already quite high. So don’t exaggerate this by putting a roof box on it. If there’s a roof box attached to your roof and you have to drive in strong winds, it’s a good idea to remove it first.

Be aware of your surroundings

Be prepared for sudden gusts of wind when driving over bridges and through open spaces. The higher your van, the more susceptible it is to these sudden gusts, so be on your guard. Tall buildings can act as a funnel for the wind, so watch out for that and moderate your speed where necessary.

Look ahead

Besides being aware of your surroundings, it goes without saying that you should also keep your eyes on the road ahead. Watch out for debris on the road, stay alert when taking corners, and look out for tree branches that may be hanging low due to strong winds.

Tall trees catch a lot of wind

Speaking of trees, don’t park under them when you stop. Falling branches can cause dents in your van. Also, avoid telephone and power lines in case they come down. It’s more likely that these will damage your van than provide you with power like in Back to the Future. Park, if you can, with your nose facing the wind, rather than with your side. Leave your van in gear if it’s a manual and pull the handbrake firmly.

Take regular breaks

Taking regular breaks during long journeys is always wise, and this is even more true when driving in strong winds. These conditions can be really challenging and require even more concentration than usual. Fear while driving can also cause stress, so give your mind and body a break from all that tension by building in regular stops.

Time heals all wounds

We never advise rushing when you drive. It’s stressful, dangerous, and often unnecessary when you plan a little. Allow plenty of time for your trip in stormy conditions, in case you encounter blockages, speed restrictions, or other forms of delay. This gives you the best possible chance of arriving safely and on time, wherever you’re going.

Learn more about safely driving a van with our handy guides on driving in the snow and night driving.