This week I headed up to Bridgeport, California for a camping trip with my boyfriend and his family. My boyfriend and myself headed up in our truck with a camper on the bed while his father lead the way in his truck pulling a trailer. Our journey on the first day was cut short due to high wind advisory and eventually, the shutting down of the road we needed to get to our destination. Luckily, we were able to find a camp site to spend the night in, hoping that the winds would die down the next day and we could reach out destination. The next morning we continued on our way as the roads were reopened and the winds seemed to have let up. As we were driving, and I was observing the beauty of the Sierras, I noticed a semi truck that was being pulled back from its side. The high winds had knocked over this enormous truck destroying it.

It is really important to understand the risk of driving in heavy winds. The following are tips provided by weather.com to help you be prepared next time you are faced with this issue:

First, be aware of vehicles around you. The high winds usually cause more problems for trucks, buses, RVs, campers and drivers who are towing trailers but their driving can affect you so stay aware.

For those of you who are driving one of the above mentioned vehicles, reduce your speed to help lower the wind’s affect on your vehicle. It is important to lower your speed when driving next to larger vehicles because the wind can cause them to swing out and hit your car. If pulling a trailer, be aware of it whipping back and forth for your safety and the other cars around you.

It is important to understand how to drive safe in all types of weather that you may be faced with. When you are prepared you will protect yourself and protect the others on the road.