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Question

Difficulty: EasyWindy Conditions

You are driving on a motorway in severe, gusty crosswinds and are approaching an exposed viaduct. Which TWO actions should you take to maintain safe vehicle control?

  1. Hold the steering wheel firmly with both handsAnswer
  2. B
    Depress the clutch pedal to coast smoothly across the structure
  3. Reduce your speed and anticipate sudden turbulenceAnswer
  4. D
    Accelerate hard to minimise the time spent in the exposed crosswind

Answer

Holding the steering wheel firmly with both hands and reducing your speed to anticipate sudden turbulence are the correct actions.
When driving across exposed structures such as viaducts or open bridges in severe crosswinds, sudden gusts can violently push a vehicle sideways. Keeping a firm two-handed grip on the steering wheel allows you to maintain control and counter buffeting immediately. Reducing speed minimises the physical impact of gusts and provides greater time to anticipate and react to turbulence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the environmental hazards of crossing an exposed viaduct in strong crosswinds
Recognise that elevated, open structures lack natural windbreaks and produce sudden, strong gusts.
Identifying the heightened risk of sideways buffeting is essential for taking timely precautions.
2
Apply appropriate vehicle control adjustments before and during the crossing
Reduce vehicle speed and maintain a firm, two-handed steering grip.
Lower speed diminishes sideways displacement, while a firm grip ensures immediate steering correction against gusts.

Key Concept

Vehicle Control and Stability in High Winds on Exposed Structures
Estimated Time:45s
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Windy Conditions

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