Is It Safe to Drive in Level 7 Gale?
2 Answers
6 to 7 level gale is not suitable for driving. When encountering strong crosswinds, it will affect the driving stability of the vehicle. At high speeds, the stability of the vehicle is crucial. Many drivers believe that the heavier the vehicle, the better its high-speed stability, but this is actually a misconception. The stability of a vehicle at high speeds depends on factors such as chassis tuning and aerodynamics. If the vehicle's shock absorbers are relatively soft, its stability at high speeds will be poor, even if the vehicle itself is very heavy. When driving in windy conditions, vehicles are affected by crosswinds, especially for some vans or large vehicles, as these types of vehicles have a higher overall center of gravity and larger lateral surface areas. Additionally, lighter vehicles are also very susceptible to the effects of crosswinds, and the faster the vehicle's speed, the stronger the impact of the crosswinds.
I've driven in level 7 gusty winds many times. It's doable, but requires extreme caution. With wind speeds around 30-40 km/h, the car sways like a boat on the road, especially when encountering crosswinds that easily pull the steering off course. Once on the highway at about 70 km/h, a strong gust made my car drift alarmingly - thankfully gripping the wheel tightly stabilized it. I recommend choosing more stable vehicles in such conditions; sedans handle better than SUVs since SUVs' height makes them prone to rollovers. Slow down below 50 km/h and maintain straight-line driving. Keep headlights on for better visibility so other drivers can see you clearly. If road conditions deteriorate with flying branches or debris, immediately find a safe spot to pull over. While technically drivable, it's unsuitable for long distances - short commutes are manageable provided you prioritize safety over speed.
