Can You Drive in Level 5 Wind?
2 Answers
Level 5 wind causes small trees to sway, while level 6 wind makes power lines hum and makes walking with an umbrella difficult. Driving is possible in winds of level 5 to 6. Below are some driving precautions: 1. Slow down and check carefully when turning: Develop the habit of slowing down significantly when turning (especially at intersections with non-motorized lanes or sidewalks). Observe the conditions in non-motorized lanes and sidewalks, and proceed slowly. This applies both in urban and rural areas. Actively yield to electric bikes in non-motorized lanes and pedestrians on sidewalks. When making a right turn in the city, give way to pedestrians and electric bikes on crosswalks, and only proceed slowly after confirming there is no risk of an accident. 2. Slow down and look left and right at intersections: Develop the habit of slowing down and looking both ways when approaching an intersection, regardless of whether there is a traffic light or if your lane has a green light. Check for vehicles crossing the intersection and only accelerate after confirming there are no speeding cars (also watch out for electric bikes, as their small size makes them easy to overlook).
I've been driving for over ten years and often encounter 5-level wind days with wind speeds around 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. It's still drivable, just requires extra caution. When the wind gets stronger, the car may sway side to side, making the steering wheel feel harder to control, especially on highways or open areas. I recommend checking the weather forecast in advance and using a mobile app to confirm wind conditions. If you see the wind level rise to 6 or above, it's best to postpone your trip. When driving, reduce your speed to a safe level—for example, below 80 km/h on highways and around 50 km/h in urban areas. Maintain a longer following distance to prevent being affected by wind from the vehicle ahead. If there are many passengers in the car, be mindful of motion sickness and try to choose routes with trees or buildings to block the wind. Tire grip is crucial—avoid using worn-out old tires and ensure proper tire pressure. On windy days, branches or debris may fall, so avoid parking under trees and stay alert to road conditions. Safety comes first.
