You're driving at 130 km/h on the A7. Suddenly, without warning, an invisible force grabs your car and shoves it half a meter to the left. Your heart races. That wasn't a driving error—it was a storm gust. While we are warned about ice and snow in winter, wind is an often underestimated but equally dangerous force on German roads. Storms like "Kyrill" or "Friederike" have shown that strong crosswinds are responsible for some of the worst accidents on the Autobahn.
This guide is your manual for driving in strong winds. We'll explain the physics behind it, point out the most dangerous zones, and give you 7 golden rules to help you maintain control and arrive at your destination safely.
A car is aerodynamically designed to minimize air resistance from the front. However, strong wind from the side (crosswind) hits the vehicle on its largest surface area. It acts like a giant sail, exerting enormous pressure that pushes the car sideways.
The larger the side surface area, the stronger the effect. That's why vehicles like vans, campers, SUVs, and cars with roof boxes are particularly vulnerable. But even small, lightweight cars can be caught by strong gusts.
The wind is not equally strong everywhere. In certain places, the danger is particularly acute because the wind hits suddenly and unexpectedly.
Bridges are the most dangerous places during a storm. They are completely exposed and often at high altitudes where the wind blows stronger. Famous examples in Germany include the Fehmarnsund Bridge or high viaducts like the Kochertal Bridge on the A6. Here you must always expect strong, constant crosswinds.
This is the "tunnel effect." You are driving through a protected forest section or a tunnel, your car is stable. The moment you drive into the open, the full force of the wind hits you unprepared. This sudden gust is extremely dangerous because you have no time to adjust.
This is the most common and treacherous wind situation on the Autobahn. The process occurs in three phases:
This very moment is the cause of countless accidents.
With these simple rules of conduct, you can master most dangerous situations.
This is the most important rule of all. A lower speed gives you more time to react and reduces the force with which the wind acts on your car. During an official storm warning (from wind force 8, approx. 62 km/h), you should reduce your speed on the Autobahn to 80-100 km/h.
Forget casual one-handed driving. Hold the steering wheel firmly at the "9 and 3 o'clock" position. This gives you maximum control to react to sudden gusts.
Drive proactively. Do you see a bridge, a forest clearing, or a truck ahead? Mentally prepare for a gust to hit. Ease off the accelerator slightly and focus.
Double the safe following distance to the vehicle in front. This gives you and the driver ahead more room for corrections without a collision.
In strong winds, think twice if an overtake is really necessary. If so, do it quickly and with full concentration. Be ready to counter-steer gently the moment you pass the truck.
The correct reaction is: Gently ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly but firmly against the wind direction to stabilize the car. Always look where you want to go, not at the guardrail.
A tall VW van reacts differently than a low-slung Porsche. If you are driving a high-sided vehicle, a car with a roof box, or a trailer, you need to be even more cautious and reduce your speed further.
Driving in strong wind is a skill that can be learned. It's about respect for the power of nature and about proactive, concentrated driving. If you know the danger zones, adjust your speed, and know how to react in an emergency, you will lose the fear and gain control.
Remember: The most important safety features in your car are not the airbag or ABS, but your brain and your hands on the steering wheel. Drive safely!