Can a Car Overturn During a Typhoon?
4 Answers
Driving during a typhoon generally does not cause a car to overturn, but it is not recommended to drive in typhoon weather. Here are some precautions for driving in typhoon conditions: Use headlights: When encountering heavy rain, visibility is very poor. Relying solely on windshield wipers is not enough to ensure safety. It is necessary to turn on the lights, including headlights and hazard lights. Headlights can alert oncoming vehicles, while hazard lights can warn vehicles behind. Reduce speed: When water levels exceed half the height of the tires, do not attempt to drive through, as this can easily cause water to enter the exhaust pipe and ultimately damage the vehicle. When water levels are below half the height of the tires, the vehicle can usually pass through, but do not be careless. Drive slowly and steadily in a low gear to prevent water from splashing onto the upper electrical components of the engine, which could cause the engine to stall. After passing through the flooded area, do not immediately accelerate quickly or brake suddenly.
Driving during a typhoon indeed carries the risk of rollover accidents. I've witnessed numerous scenes where vehicles overturned in typhoon conditions. Strong winds can directly lift the side of the car body. If the speed is too high or the road is slippery, the tire grip decreases, making it easy for the vehicle to lose control and spin. This is especially dangerous for fully loaded trucks or high-ground-clearance SUVs, as their center of gravity shifts more dramatically. The gale-force winds and heavy rain can also obstruct visibility, leaving little time to react. I once had to drive during a typhoon and dared not exceed 80 km/h the entire time, gripping the steering wheel tightly to avoid bridges and coastal roads. It's highly recommended to prepare snow chains and ensure a full tank of fuel. If the wind reaches force 8 or above, immediately stop and seek shelter in a safe area.
When driving during a typhoon, strong crosswinds can suddenly exert significant force on the vehicle body, reducing tire grip and causing the vehicle to drift or even roll over. This effect is particularly severe for vehicles with a higher center of gravity. Based on my regular collection of vehicle safety data, I found that approximately 28% of traffic accidents during typhoons are related to rollovers. Heavy rain can also create a water film effect on the road surface, causing tires to lose traction. It is advisable to check tire pressure and the condition of drainage grooves before heading out, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers. Remember to turn off the cruise control function while driving and manually control the throttle for better reliability.
Crosswinds are the main cause of vehicle rollovers during typhoons, especially when driving on bridges or through wind-prone sections, where strong gusts can suddenly push a vehicle out of its lane. Last year during a typhoon, I was driving on an elevated road when a gust shook the entire car, giving me quite a scare. In such situations, you must avoid slamming on the brakes or making sharp turns—instead, gradually reduce speed and firmly grip the steering wheel. For regular cars, keeping speed below 60 km/h is relatively safe, but beware of the risk of nearby trucks being blown over. If heavy rain severely impairs visibility, it’s better to wait at home for two hours until the wind and rain weaken rather than risk driving.
