Crosswinds and High-Sided HGVs: What Drivers Should Do

Focus

Crosswinds on high-sided HGVs — especially empty or light trailers. Ice and fog are covered elsewhere.

Where gusts bite

• Exposed bridges, embankments, coastal roads, and gaps between buildings
• Overtaking high-sided vehicles that create a wind shadow then a shove
• Empty or partially loaded curtainsiders and box trailers

Driving response

• Reduce speed before the exposed section, not halfway across
• Both hands on the wheel; expect a shove; avoid sudden steering corrections
• Increase gap to vehicles beside you in the next lane

When to delay or divert

If National Highways / police / your operator restrict high-sided vehicles, comply. Fighting a red wind warning to save an hour is how rollovers happen.

Driver habit

Check the wind forecast the same way you check traffic on exposed routes. Empty return legs deserve more respect than a heavy outbound.