Question

Difficulty: EasyExtreme Weather Driving (High Winds, Dust Storms, Intense Heat)

When driving on an open highway during strong wind gusts, which of the following is the safest action to maintain proper vehicle control?

  1. Reduce your speed and keep a firm, two-handed grip on the steering wheel.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain the maximum posted speed limit to pass through the high-wind area quickly.
  3. C
    Follow closely behind large commercial vehicles to use them as a windbreak.
  4. D
    Turn on high-beam headlights to alert other drivers to the windy conditions.

Answer

The safest action is to reduce your speed and keep a firm, two-handed grip on the steering wheel.
Reducing speed reduces the kinetic instability caused by wind gusts and gives the driver more time to react. Holding the steering wheel firmly with both hands ensures maximum vehicle control when unexpected side gusts strike.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary danger associated with strong wind gusts while driving.
Strong wind gusts can push vehicles out of their lane, particularly in open areas or near large vehicles.
Understanding the physical hazard enables selecting the correct defensive driving technique.
2
Evaluate the safest vehicle operational responses to high winds.
Slowing down reduces aerodynamic disturbance and increases reaction time, while maintaining a two-handed grip provides the maximum leverage to stabilize the vehicle.
Speed reduction and proper wheel control are the standard safety recommendations for crosswinds.

Key Concept

High wind driving safety procedures and speed control
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