Wind force becomes dangerous from 5

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Even with wind force 5 (wind speeds of 29 to 38 km/h), a warning is announced for cars and motorcyclists. Sudden crosswinds can cause vehicles that are particularly sensitive to the wind, such as trailers, caravans, buses, or vehicles with roof racks or bicycles on their roofs to sway, for example, after exiting a tunnel. And so it puts other road users in danger.

Car drivers should be careful in winds and storms, especially when overtaking trucks, trucks and buses. Even when entering the airflow of the vehicle to be overtaken, the vehicle may change direction if there is no sudden wind effect. So stay firmly on the steering wheel and make adjustments if necessary to stay on track. After the overtaking manoeuvre, it is again completely caught in the wind and can move again.

What most people underestimate: If a high wind of 70 km/h (wind strength 8) hits a vehicle traveling at 100 km/h on the highway, it can skid up to a meter. If the car is even 130 km/h fast, it can go up to four meters! The greatest danger of being displaced by the wind in a moving vehicle is lurking where the wind has an open area for attack – for example on bridges, after tunnel exits or in forest corridors.

When does a vehicle roll over?

How strong wind is required for a vehicle to topple over? Tests have shown that an unladen 40 tonne semi-trailer starts to yaw at 85 speed at 9 wind forces (75 to 88 km/h): Then some or even all of the wheels lose traction. On the other hand, if the truck is loaded, it will only topple at hurricane force 12 (over 118 km/h wind speed).

However, in severe storms with wind strength of 10 or more (89 to 102 km/h), transportation associations such as TCS or ADAC recommend leaving the vehicle where possible. Woodlands and boulevards should be avoided if the journey cannot be avoided despite the storm. Especially important: Drive strictly defensively! So put both hands on the steering wheel and slow down. Because at low speed, it is easier to react to the sudden displacement of the vehicle and to oversteer. You should turn off any distracting devices such as the radio or hands-free phone and concentrate fully on the traffic situation and the vehicle. So even on these stormy days, you should reach your destination safely.

Source: Blick