California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Safe Driving PracticesHard
You are driving on a highway and notice a strong crosswind. How should you adjust your driving technique?
- AIncrease your speed to maintain stability.
- BSteer into the wind slightly and be prepared for sudden gusts.
- CSteer away from the wind to compensate for its force.
- DMaintain your normal speed and grip the steering wheel tighter.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Steer into the wind slightly and be prepared for sudden gusts.
Strong crosswinds can push your vehicle sideways. To counteract this, you should steer slightly into the direction the wind is coming from and be ready to make small, corrective steering adjustments when gusts hit. Reducing speed also improves control.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Increasing speed reduces control and makes the vehicle more susceptible to wind effects.
- C. Steering away from the wind would exacerbate the sideways push, potentially causing you to drift out of your lane.
- D. Maintaining normal speed is unsafe; gripping tighter helps but isn't enough without steering correction.
Driving in Strong Winds
When driving in strong crosswinds, reduce speed, grip the steering wheel firmly, and be prepared to make small steering corrections into the wind.
- High-profile vehicles (vans, SUVs, trucks) are more affected.
- Be extra cautious when exiting tunnels, passing large trucks, or on bridges.
- Strong gusts can cause sudden shifts in vehicle position.
Memory trick: Wind pushes, so you lean into it, like a sailor against the breeze.