Friday, May 27, 2011
Watch out, watch out there’s windy weather about
It’s been unusually windy recently in the UK and after two driver deaths caused by falling trees, experts are warning motorists to be careful when travelling in high winds.
It also says that strong gusts can blow cars, cyclists, motorcyclists and even horse riders off course and is most likely to happen on open stretches of road exposed to crosswinds or when a road user passes a bridge or gap in a hedge or fencing.
Advice contained within the code suggests that vehicles may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles and that motorcyclists are particularly susceptible.
However, the road safety regulations document does not appear to offer warning to motorists about the risks of falling trees and the debris caused by high winds.
The recent gale-force winds experienced in the UK are not usually experienced in late May and trees heavy with leaves and buds have been particularly affected. Accidents have been caused by boughs and branches breaking and falling into the road and onto cars.
Young drivers and inexperienced motorists are therefore reminded to be extra careful during high winds in spring and summer as the risk of a car accident may be greatly increased in such conditions.
Labels: gale-force winds, inexperienced motorists, young drivers
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posted by Fuse @ 4:55 AM 
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