Las Vegas is known for its dazzling entertainment, luxurious resorts, and bustling streets. Beyond the bright lights of The Strip, Las Vegas is also notorious for its high winds, which can be dangerous for drivers. The high winds in Las Vegas are the most common from March through June. Many visitors are surprised to learn that Las Vegas winds can be as high as 40 mph sustained, with gusts in excess of 60 mph. Driving in high winds is an often overlooked hazard that leads to car accidents. Here, the Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at ER Injury Attorneys off these high wind driving tips to help keep you safe during the Las Vegas windy season.
High Wind Driving Tips
Check Local Weather
Before hitting the road, make sure to check local weather conditions, especially when strong winds are expected. Knowing the wind speeds will give you an idea of what to expect when you head out and allows you to plan your travel accordingly.
Plan Your Route
If you have the flexibility to choose your route, consider avoiding areas that are particularly vulnerable to high winds like open highways and exposed bridges. Avoiding these areas will reduce your chances of encountering hazardous conditions that could potentially lead to catastrophic injuries. If you can’t take an alternate route, it is best to wait and depart for your destination when the wind stops, if possible.
Slow Down
One of the most effective ways to stay safe in strong winds is to reduce your speed. High winds can make your vehicle more susceptible to losing control, especially if you’re traveling at higher speeds. It is better to arrive a few minutes late than to risk an accident. Increasing your following distance gives you more time to react and helps prevent rear-end collisions or accidents caused by vehicles swerving.
Increase Following Distance
Maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you is always important, but it becomes even more during high winds. Strong gusts of wind can cause sudden braking or swerving, so leave ample space between you and the vehicle in front.
Be Careful Around Large Vehicles
Exercise caution when driving alongside or passing trucks, buses or SUVs, as they may experience difficulty maintaining their lanes due to swerving caused by high winds. Higher profile vehicles can quickly become involved in a rollover accident in windy conditions. Give them extra space and avoid their blind spots.
Maintain a Firm Grip on the Steering Wheel
When driving in high winds, it’s crucial to maintain a steady grip on the steering wheel. Wind gusts can cause your car to veer or drift. Keep both hands on the wheel and be prepared to make slight adjustments as needed to counteract the wind’s force. Remember to drive with extra caution during sudden wind shifts, such as when passing tall buildings or entering and exiting tunnels.
Secure Loose Objects
Ensure that any loose objects inside or outside your vehicle, such as roof racks, bicycle carriers, or debris in the bed of a truck, are properly secured. Loose items can become projectiles in high winds, causing damage to your vehicle or posing a threat to other drivers.
Stay Focused
Remain focused and alert while driving in high winds. Avoiding distracted driving is vital every time you step into a vehicle, but it is even more important when driving in hazardous conditions like high winds. Prepare yourself for wind gusts and know how to control your vehicle. Look for visual cues, such as the movement of tree branches or dust blowing across the road, which can indicate the presence of strong winds.
Plan for Power Outages
Power outages and high winds often go hand in hand. When driving during high winds, expect a power outage as well. Driving in power outages can be particularly challenging as traffic signals may not be operational. Remember to treat all intersections as four-way stops, regardless of the size or traffic flow. If you don’t feel safe driving during a power outage, pull over and wait until power is restored, if possible. Report any fallen power lines to the eclectic company.
Watch for Debris
When driving in high winds, watch out for flying debris, fallen branches, or other objects that may have been dislodged by the wind. Scan the road ahead and be prepared to react quickly to avoid obstacles. If there is a large object in the road, do not attempt to drive past it or move it. Make sure to report fallen objects or trees to your local public works department or other authorities.
Be Mindful of Limited Visibility
In addition to compromised vehicle stability, high winds can create visibility issues for drivers. Dust, sand, or debris carried by the wind can reduce visibility on the road, making it harder to spot other vehicles, road signs, or potential hazards. Reduced visibility poses a significant risk, especially when combined with already challenging driving conditions. If visibility is severely impaired, consider pulling over to a safe location until conditions improve.
Contact ER Injury Attorneys
Driving in high winds requires extra caution and attention to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. As a personal injury attorney. By following these high wind driving tips, you can mitigate the risks associated with driving in Las Vegas high winds. If you follow these tips, it doesn’t mean other drivers on the road will and accidents can happen.
Whether you were injured in a motorcycle accident, truck accident, or you’ve experienced the wrongful death of a loved one, the team at ER Injury Attorneys can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We’ve successfully represented clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Boulder City, and Pahrump. For your free case consultation, contact us 24/7 by calling 702-878-7878, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form.