WASHINGTON, D. C. (Monday, February 25, 2019) ––The wind advisory for the Washington metro area remains in effect until 6 p.m. this evening. That means it will be a windy commute this afternoon. Regardless of your driving experience, high winds can prove hazardous, as history has proven time and again. High winds pose special risks for the drivers of high-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, and large vans and SUVs and for other vehicles traveling or passing nearby.

With wind gusts across the Washington, D.C. metro area reaching 43 mph this afternoon, compared to as high as 60 mph earlier today in some areas, metro area residents are urged to use extreme caution when driving a car in high winds, to avoid parking near trees, and to avoid driving over down power lines. Commuters should also keep their eyes peeled for flying debris. “Strong winds may blow down limbs, trees, and powerlines. Scattered power outages are expected,” warns the National Weather Service.

“High winds are an often-overlooked driving danger that can cause crashes,” warn law enforcement agencies, highway safety advocates, and the AAA Mid-Atlantic Driver Services. “Winds can buffet cars traveling on highways like boats tossed about on a stormy sea,” advises Property and Casualty.com. Depending on the size, weight and design of a vehicle, a strong gust of wind can actually push a small car out of its lane. 

“Wind Advisory means that winds of 45 to 55 mph are expected,” explains the National Weather Service. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.” For this reason, area motorists and through drivers are urged to be prepared for wind warnings, restrictions and the potential for temporary traffic holds on bridges in Maryland, including the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge (US 50/301), and the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge (US 301), warns the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).

“Please be aware, we cannot predict what phase of the wind policy a bridge will be in at a particular time of the day. Determinations are NOT made by forecasts, but rather by real-time weather conditions at a given toll facility,” warns the MDTA.

AAA Driver Services offers the following tips for driving in windy conditions.

• Reduce speed.
• Firmly grip the steering wheel.
• Increase space between your vehicle and others, especially vans, recreational vehicles and cars pulling trailers, all of which could be adversely affected by the wind.
• Remember, gusts of wind can be compounded by busses, trucks and other large vehicles, which can cause an additional, powerful blast of air when passing your vehicle from either direction.
• When possible, allow as much distance as safely available from a “wind- gust” vehicle by hugging the edge of the road.
• Know your vehicle—light cars, vans and other “boxy” vehicles have a tendency to be blown by strong gusts of wind.
• Drive in these conditions only when absolutely necessary.

“If winds are severe enough to prevent safe driving, pull over into a safe parking area (the shoulder of a busy roadway is not safe) and stop, making sure you are away from trees, power lines or other tall objects that could fall onto your vehicle,” warns the National Weather Service (NWS). “Stay in the car and turn on the hazard lights until the wind subsides.”

In the event of downed power lines:

• If a line falls on your car, stay inside the vehicle. Take care not to touch any of the metal frame of your vehicle. Honk your horn, roll down the window and warn anyone who may approach of the danger. Ask someone to call the police.
• Do not exit the car until help arrives, unless it catches on fire.
• To exit, open the door, but do not step out. Jump, without touching any of the metal portions of the car’s exterior, to safe ground and get quickly away.
• Never drive over downed power lines. Even if they have been knocked over by the wind, high-voltage wires may still be alive and very dangerous.
• Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches.
• Report downed lines to your local utility emergency center and to the police.
• Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches. Puddles and even wet or snow-covered ground can conduct electricity in some cases. Warn others to stay away.
• If you see someone who has been shocked who may be in direct or indirect contact with a power line, do not try to touch them. You may become a second victim. Get medical attention as quickly as possible by calling 911.

During bouts of high winds adjust mirrors, seats and other settings before your start the vehicle. Also don’t be distracted by mobile devices, music, eating or other passengers. “While high winds are commonly associated with severe thunderstorms, hurricanes and nor’easters, they may also occur as a result of differences in air pressures, such as when a cold front passes across the area,” explains the National Weather Service.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and nearly 79,000 members in the District of Columbia.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit  https://aaa.com