New truck drivers sometimes make the mistake of operating their big rigs like any regular passenger vehicle. This overconfidence can lead to misjudging how long it will take to effectively handle a left turn or how to back up into a spot with a full trailer. For Wyoming CDL drivers, it’s underestimating how the wind will affect their trucks.
Wind Affects Semi-Trucks More Than Passenger Vehicles
You already know that semi-trucks are larger than passenger vehicles, but what you may not realize is that this means driving in windier conditions will be more challenging.
While strong wind is definitely noticeable when driving a passenger vehicle, it can pose significant risks for semi-truck drivers for multiple reasons:
- Passenger vehicles are curved, which helps wind flow around them rather than on them. Comparatively, semi-trucks have flat sides that act like sails, so more wind force pushes against the truck.
- Trucks are higher off the ground. If you’ve ever flown a kite, you know that wind speeds increase the higher above the ground you go. It’s the same with trucks. The top of the trailer experiences stronger gusts than a low-riding car, and because a truck has a higher center of gravity, the wind could cause the truck to flip.
- If you’re transporting a light load or deadheading, there won’t be enough weight to counteract the wind force, increasing risks of flipping.
Is the Wind Really That Bad in Wyoming?
If Chicago is known as the windy city, then Wyoming is the typhoon state. Wind is incredibly strong in Wyoming, and it gets more powerful in the winter when the trees are bare and can’t shield some of that force.
Wyoming sits on a high plateau east of the Rocky Mountains, so when westerly winds hit the mountains, they’re forced up and over them. Laramie and Rawlins are particularly windy, especially the former because it’s positioned between two mountain ranges. In fact, it’s not uncommon for highways to close in the winter because trucks have blown over.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
As an OTR driver, you will have to drive to Wyoming at some point, so it’s best to stay safe, practice defensive driving, stay aware of developing weather conditions, and don’t make maneuvers that feel irresponsible.
Beyond that, there are a few tips you can practice to prevent accidents:
Check the Wind Speeds Before You Get on the Road
Your life is more important than what you’re transporting, and your employer will know that. If you get into an accident, you’re putting yourself and the products you’re transporting in danger. If you notice high wind warnings, don’t get on the road. It’s as simple as that.
Avoid Deadheading or Bobtailing
If you can avoid it, do not drive with an empty trailer or without one. With less weight, it becomes easier for your truck to be impacted by the wind. Plus, trailers are designed to carry most of their weight on the rear axle, and when you’re bobtailing, your rear wheels won’t have as much weight on them, making the traction poor and easier for your rear wheels to lose traction from strong crosswinds.
Stay Alert
Weather conditions can easily change. Monitor conditions as you’re driving. If you feel tired, find a place to safely pull over to rest. It’s critical that you’re alert enough to correct steering and handle sudden jolts and shoves.
Don’t Speed
Even if you’re transporting a ground expedited shipment, speeding during a windy day in Wyoming is a recipe for disaster. The faster you go, the less time you have to react when gusts cause your truck to push sideways. Slowing down also helps you reduce the impact of the wind force.
Pull Over Somewhere Safe
If wind conditions change and you notice signage indicating that areas are closed due to high winds, find a safe place to pull over to wait it out. Never, under any circumstance, pull over and rest under an overpass or bridge, in any open area (you could still tip over!), highway shoulders (you can accidentally cause accidents that way), near construction areas, or near power lines.
Ensure You’re Properly Trained
If you have prior CDL driving experience, but it’s been a while, never get back on the road without undergoing a refresher course.
Sign Up for Our 10-Hour CDL A Refresher Course
Founded over 25 years ago, the Wyoming Driver Training Academy (WYDTA) is committed to keeping truck drivers safe through comprehensive paid CDL training. We offer many CDL courses, including a 10-hour CDL A refresher course, along with other offerings for those looking to become truck drivers. Visit our website to learn more about our courses or to sign up.