Very gusty winds are a particular feature of the weather in autumn and many motorists underestimate the dangers of crosswinds. Gusts can already occur at low wind forces and may reach top speeds of 200 km/h (125 mph). Gusts under 100 km/h (62 mph) can already knock a van, particularly an empty one, quite substantially off its track.

One should take special care on open stretches of motorway, at tunnel exits, on bridges, at gaps in surrounding woodland or when coming out of the shelter of noise barriers, large buildings etc., as this is where crosswinds are likely to occur.

There is also the risk of encountering turbulences when overtaking a truck - your vehicle is initially drawn into the slipstream of the truck and once you have overtaken, it then pushed away again by the wind.

In strong crosswinds, reduce your speed substantially, steer carefully and avoid abrupt braking manoeuvres.