Research from MoneySuperMarket reveals the most dangerous UK roads for van drivers to travel on during windy conditions of the next few days.
High winds can be dangerous for vans because their large surface area and lighter rear loads make them easier to go off course and fall over.
Rare RED WARNING notices have been issued for the West Country today over concerns about strong winds gusting up to 90mph, endangering all road users, threatening damage to property and people.
Working with expert meteorologist Jim Dale from British Weather Services, MoneySuperMarket can reveal that the M62, A57, M90 and A9 are among some of the UK’s most dangerous roads during high winds.
Speaking to MoneySuperMarket on the wind speed that poses a safety risk, Jim says, “Once winds breach 39mph and are on the way to 46mph which is gale force, they are in a range where twigs and small branches may be broken off trees, and drivers will face hazardous conditions and notable instability.”
If wind velocity increases from 47mph to 73mph, the driving conditions would move into Amber and Red travel warning territory, as those wind speeds pose a serious safety risk.
Roads to avoid in strong winds
The meteorologist identified several roads as particularly dangerous for motorists during windy conditions, including the M6 between Cumbria and the Northern Pennines, M74 approximately 10km Southeast of Glasgow and the A56 Snake Pass.
The Top 10 Most Dangerous UK Roads In High Winds
- M62 Greater Manchester into West Yorkshire
- M4/M5 Severn Estuary Crossings
- M90 Firth of Forth on the Firth Forth Bridge
- M6 running between Cumbria and the Northern Pennines
- B3081 between Cann Common in Dorset and Tollard Row in Wiltshire, containing The Zig Zag Hill
- M74 approximately 10km Southeast of Glasgow
- B869 in the Northwest Highland
- A9 running from Perth to Thurso through the heights of the Highlands
- A57 The Snake Pass
- B5289 Honister Path, running between Borrowdale and Buttermere in the Lake District
Crosswinds pose the biggest threat to UK van drivers
While headwinds have the capacity to slow a vehicle down or push a vehicle at a faster pace during windy conditions, crosswinds pose the biggest safety threat to van owners.
Meteorologist Jim Dale explains, “A crosswind is the wind that creates the greatest safety concern, as they hit the largest surface area of a vehicle, which converts to a greater force being exerted and the potential for a greater loss of control.”
Weight is another key factor for van owners to consider, with an empty vehicle much more susceptible to being overturned than a fully laden vehicle.
