How Should Drivers Handle Strong Crosswinds on a Highway?

Strong crosswinds can push a vehicle away from its intended path, sometimes without much warning. Exposed bridges, open stretches of highway and passing large vehicles can make gusts especially challenging for new drivers.

Quick answer: When driving in strong crosswinds, reduce speed to a safe level, hold the steering wheel with both hands, increase your following distance and make smooth steering corrections. Expect sudden gusts on bridges and open roadways, and stay clear of large trucks, buses and trailers. If you cannot maintain control or visibility, leave the roadway at a safe place and wait for conditions to improve.

Why strong crosswinds are hazardous

A crosswind pushes sideways against a moving vehicle. A sudden gust may cause unexpected movement toward a lane edge, while a gust ending may require you to gently correct in the opposite direction. Taller or lighter vehicles and vehicles towing trailers are particularly vulnerable. Federal Highway Administration guidance also notes that blowing debris and dust can reduce visibility and block lanes.

  • Open roads and bridges: Less protection from buildings or terrain can expose you to abrupt gusts.
  • Passing trucks: Large vehicles can block the wind briefly and create turbulence as they pass.
  • High-profile vehicles: Vans, buses, RVs, trucks and trailers can sway or become unstable.
  • Road debris: Branches, loose cargo and other objects may be blown into your path.
  • Blowing dust or snow: Reduced visibility requires additional speed reduction and sometimes stopping travel.
  • Wind restrictions: Follow highway warnings, posted limitations and closures.

Six steps for controlling your vehicle in crosswinds

  1. Check weather and road advisories before leaving. Watch for strong-wind warnings and restrictions, particularly on elevated or exposed routes.
  2. Slow down appropriately. Maintain a speed that allows you to steer smoothly, respond to debris and remain within your lane.
  3. Keep both hands on the steering wheel. Maintain a steady grip and correct gradually instead of yanking the wheel in response to a gust.
  4. Increase following and side space. Give nearby vehicles room to move unexpectedly, especially trucks or trailers.
  5. Anticipate exposed areas. Be ready for a different wind force when crossing a bridge, coming out from behind a hillside or passing a large truck.
  6. Stop safely when necessary. If the wind makes continued control unsafe, seek a proper parking area or exit instead of stopping on a high-speed travel lane or exposed shoulder.

Why do bridges and overpasses require special caution?

Elevated or open structures often have fewer obstacles to interrupt the wind. A driver moving from a sheltered roadway onto an exposed bridge can encounter a sudden sideways push. Reduce speed before reaching the exposed section, remain centered in your lane and avoid abrupt steering. If authorities close the bridge or restrict vehicle types, follow those instructions and choose another route.

How should you respond if a gust pushes your car sideways?

Keep your eyes on your intended travel path and hold the steering wheel securely with both hands. Ease off the accelerator if needed and make small, controlled steering corrections to stay centered. Avoid overcorrecting into another lane. After the gust passes, reassess the wind and speed rather than trying to accelerate immediately.

Why should you avoid driving beside a large truck in high winds?

Trucks and trailers have broad sides that catch the wind. A powerful gust can cause a trailer to sway or, in extreme conditions, overturn. The airflow may also change suddenly as you move from beside a truck into open air. Avoid lingering next to large vehicles and keep a safe distance. Read How Should You Drive Safely Around Large Trucks on Highways? for more about No-Zones and passing.

What should you do if blowing dust reduces visibility?

Slow down and increase separation from other vehicles. If visibility deteriorates to the point that driving is unsafe, follow local dust-storm and weather guidance and get off the roadway when possible. Never stop in a live traffic lane simply because you cannot see clearly. If you must shelter during a severe dust storm, follow National Weather Service precautions for positioning and lighting so other drivers do not mistake a stopped vehicle for moving traffic.

When is it safer to stop driving?

Stop when gusts make it difficult to maintain your lane, debris poses an immediate threat, visibility becomes dangerously low, or officials announce closures. Choose a parking area or sheltered location that is away from moving vehicles, trees and power lines. For a vehicle that becomes disabled on a highway, see our highway breakdown safety guide.

Should new drivers practice in severe crosswinds?

No. New drivers should first build steering and lane-position skills in ordinary conditions with a qualified supervising driver. Strong-wind warnings are a reason to postpone optional practice or select a safer route, not an opportunity to test vehicle-control limits. The goal is consistent safe judgment rather than driving through dangerous conditions.

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Frequently asked questions about driving in strong crosswinds

What is a crosswind when driving?

A crosswind blows across the direction of travel. Strong gusts can push a vehicle sideways or require steering corrections, especially on open highways and bridges.

Should you slow down when strong winds are blowing?

Yes. A lower safe speed gives you more time to react and can help you maintain control. Obey posted limits and any wind-related restrictions or closures.

How should you hold the steering wheel in high winds?

Keep both hands on the wheel with a controlled, relaxed grip. Make smooth steering corrections rather than sudden jerks when a gust moves the vehicle.

Why are bridges and open areas dangerous in strong winds?

Open roads, elevated bridges and gaps between hills or buildings can expose a vehicle to sudden crosswinds. The change from sheltered to exposed roadway may surprise a driver.

Should you drive next to large trucks during strong crosswinds?

Avoid lingering alongside high-profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and trailers. They can sway or tip in powerful gusts and can also create air turbulence as they pass.

When should you stop driving because of wind?

When you cannot maintain lane control, debris or low visibility makes travel unsafe, or authorities close or restrict the road, stop at a safe parking area or sheltered location away from traffic and hazards.

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Official sources and further reading

Reviewed October 29, 2026. Follow official high-wind warnings, restrictions and closures in your area.