Stormy weather: How to recognize dangers
PLEASE NOTE Storm Sabine is causing considerable disruption to traffic. Wind speeds of up to 130 km/h are expected until Tuesday. Several hundred flights have already been canceled. Those who usually travel to work by car face a difficult decision on Monday morning. With official storm warnings, employees cannot reasonably be expected to take the risk of [...]
Anyone who usually drives to work is faced with a difficult decision on Monday morning. In the event of official severe weather warnings, employees cannot reasonably be expected to take the risk of driving.
These rules are particularly important
Elsewhere (where there is no official storm warning), it is still mandatory to arrive at work on time. However, wind speeds of less than 50 km/h can also cover roofs, cause trees to fall and lead to garbage and dirt on roads, thus increasing the risk of accidents. Special rules must be observed.
Crosswinds and falling trees
During severe storms and hurricanes, cars, motorcycles and bicycles should generally be left standing. The risk of serious accidents, falling trees and sudden crosswinds is too great.
Pedestrians should also stay at home and wait. Loose objects should have been removed from the garden and driveway the day before the storm to avoid damage from such projectiles.
Low speeds
Should drivers nevertheless set off for destinations during a storm, they should do so at low speed so that they can react to sudden gusts in good time. Wooded stretches, bridges, underpasses and coastal roads should be avoided at all costs and alternative routes taken.
Drivers should also avoid driving past scaffolding or houses hit by gusts of wind as far as possible. Especially in large cities, extreme gusts can sweep through urban canyons.
Do without overtaking maneuvers
While driving, overtaking maneuvers should only be carried out if particularly necessary, as conditions can change suddenly, especially next to trucks or buses. At the same height, the person overtaking is suddenly sheltered from the wind and may steer too hard.
After passing, the gale-force gust hits the sheet metal again. This can cause the vehicle to lurch severely until it loses control or tips over.
Attack surface of large vehicles
Vehicles with a high surface area exposed to gusts of wind, such as buses, trucks and vans, should always be left standing, as they are at risk of tipping over from wind force 7. Sudden gusts in particular can turn vans and motorhomes on their side in the blink of an eye.
It is better to drive a car with a low center of gravity and high weight, such as a luxury sedan, or a sports car with a low roof height. Tipping is practically impossible here, but the side wind effects can still be considerable.
But be careful: even high-built small cars and minivans are at risk of being overturned in strong gusts, for example when swerving. Car and trailer combinations should not be moved at all in gale-force winds. Not even if crosswind assist and a trailer stabilization system are on board as assistance systems.
Additional wind attack surfaces
Motorcyclists on the road despite the hurricane are gambling with their lives. The roads are dirty, heavy rain reduces visibility and obstacles such as bags of garbage, bushes and trees that are suddenly thrown onto the road require quick action.
However, if you are still riding your motorcycle, you should ride as slowly as possible and avoid unnecessary additional wind barriers such as top cases. In any case, a leather suit should be worn to provide better protection in the event of an accident and to deflect more wind than casual clothing.
To improve wind protection and visibility, only closed full-face helmets should be worn.
