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Published on Oct 5
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High winds are an often-overlooked driving danger that can lead to serious accidents. High wind weather events are common in Ohio and extreme caution should be used when driving in these conditions to ensure the health and safety of your fleet drivers and other drivers on the roadway. These safety tips can help your drivers avoid accidents and ensure that they and their cargo arrive safely to every destination.
Stay alert
Oftentimes wind storms come at a surprise, which is why you need to be ready when they strike should they happen on the roads. But meteorologists are able to track the wind in their daily weather reports. Because of this, you should make sure that you’re always aware of what the weather is going to be like on a daily basis. If heavy wind is in the forecast, stay off the roads if possible.
Keep your hands on the wheel
It’s always a good idea to drive with both hands on the wheel, but it’s particularly important when it’s windy out. When the wind blows, you can feel the car shifting one way or the other, and with only one hand on the wheel, you risk veering into an oncoming lane. Keeping your left and right hand at the 10 o’clock position and 2 o’clock position, respectively, will make it easier to stay straight and adjust accordingly.
Keep your eyes peeled
Some vehicles are more susceptible to high wind gusts than others. Commercial trucks are chief among them, as there’s more surface area to contend with. If you’re on the highway, make sure you remain either ahead or behind these big rigs to avoid a potential accident should it veer into your lane.
If you’re in a wooded area and the wind has picked up, be very careful of falling objects, like downed tree branches, twigs, or tree limbs. These are more susceptible to breaking and could enter the path where you’re driving. Also, try to be cognizant if there are other vehicles that are carrying goods in truck beds, like mattresses, or furniture, as these also could become flying projectiles.
Watch the odometer
Besides being against the law, going faster than the posted speed limit will not help you diminish the effects of heavy wind gusts. If anything, you should lower your rate of speed so that you have more control of the vehicle and can adjust the steering wheel if you feel the car moving to one side or the other.
Fleet safety and Sheakley
High winds can strike at any time, and your fleet drivers need to be prepared to face the challenge of driving in these conditions. Sheakley’s workforce management services specializes in delivering safety tips for your fleet and developing an all-around fleet safety program to ensure the safety of your driving team. With Sheakley as your partner, your fleet will be driving safer no matter the weather.
Reserve your free consultation with a Sheakley safety professional today. Stay up-to-date on all things Sheakley by subscribing to our blog and following us on social media. Join in the discussion by commenting below.
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