What are the differences between crosswind and sidewind?
2 Answers
Crosswind is the same as sidewind. Here are the relevant introductions: 1. Crosswind: When a car driving at high speed is affected by crosswind, it often induces traffic accidents. Crosswinds have a greater impact on box-shaped vehicles such as minivans, large buses, and canvas-covered trucks because these types of vehicles have a higher overall center of gravity and a larger side area; lightweight cars are also easily affected by crosswinds. 2. Occurrence: Crosswinds may appear in some windy areas or wide sections, reminding drivers that there will be strong sidewinds ahead. At this time, drivers should pay more attention and hold the steering wheel slightly tighter with both hands to prevent the sudden attack of crosswinds from causing the vehicle to deviate from the driving direction.
There are two types of wind that drivers fear the most on highways. Crosswinds usually blow diagonally, creating a sensation of being pushed from the side, causing slight vehicle sway, but the steering wheel remains controllable. However, lateral winds are much more intense, blowing perpendicularly from the side, especially on bridges or in mountain passes, where the car is noticeably pulled sideways, requiring strong grip on the steering wheel. Last time I encountered lateral winds on a coastal highway, even the windshield wipers were blown off, and the car's alarm kept sounding. In reality, crosswinds have a wide impact area but dispersed force, while lateral winds, though narrower in range, concentrate their impact. Driving in rainy conditions demands extra caution with these winds—speeds over 100 km/h during lateral winds are particularly dangerous. It's advisable to avoid highways if wind speeds exceed level six.
