Driving a lorry in the wind?

Ample Prosecco

Ample Prosecco

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I am new to lorry ownership... I have 7.5 tonne lorry. I am meant to be driving over to Sheffield today over quite exposed hills. Forecast is for winds gusting up to 40mph. Similar forecast for Kelsall on Sunday. I don't know what lorries can cope with!

Is there a genuine risk of being blown over or struggle to handle the lorry? Or is it more that I would ust need to slow right down and allow extra time?
 
Can you re route and go a longer but less exposed route? You wouldn't want to be up on the tops today in cross winds, lorries can and do get blown over.

ETA You're probably aware that the first day of Kelsall BE is going ahead today after a scare in the night when their portaloos and a trade stand were blown over :eek3:.
 
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There is a short exposed section I can't avoid. (Owler Bar if anyone knows it). The HGV sites I have been looking at suggest that above 60mph gusts is too dangerous but 40mph should be ok as long as you slow down/take care..... But not sure how accurate the weather forecasting is. If it says up to 40mph gusts could that be stronger higher up or do they forecast the maximum over higher ground across the area?
 
I personally wouldn't go to Sheffield in this weather, those hills are horrible at the best of times ( im thinking snake pass ?) As for kelsall, I have no worries driving there, as my route isn't exposed, but I suppose it depends where you are coming from ?
 
I've decided not to go. But is there a guide anywhere on conditions versus risk? I've decided 40-45mph over high ground is no go. But what about 30, 20 etc? I don't know how those conditions feel! I assume HGV drivers have to go out anyway. Is there a cut off when they are supposed to stop driving?
 
Snake pass has no signs,woodhead has signs and highways agency close it when its unsafe (wind, fog, ice/snow,etc) i am on the top of a hill the otherside of woodhead ( nr flouch roundabout) the exposed A road has plenty of hgvs on it ,its very blustery but not high winds.
 
Living on a hill in Scotland 40mph are totally normal and that is about my limit-anything much over that (given that I only do local journeys and dont compete) then I generally wait depending on my planned route and don't travel-plenty of others do however. I'd rather drive a lorry than tow in in. 30mph winds are perfectly normal lol and I hack out in 30mph + winds regularly. But its also down to what you are comfortable/used to-if in doubt dont go.
 
If you are new to it then I wouldn't. You do get a feel for the wind in a lorry with experience. I find it is usually fine on local roads at lowish speeds, ie under 40mph. Worst is motorway/A roads that are raised at all, and you need to be aware of what is ahead, gusts tend to hit you as you leave shelter or cross a bridge. Also, I watch the other lorries and how they are coping. If in doubt drop speed right down and keep to left lane.
Sometimes you can't avoid, we were coming back from an event in the summer and the wind totally got up during the day, it was a long drive home :(
 
It is up to each individual driver to assess the situation for the vehicle they are driving taking into account the type of load they are carrying

There is not a one fits all or general answer
 
And generally HGV drivers aren't transporting their best friend in the back.... There were several blown over on exposed parts the A1 during Wednesdays storm.

I'm pretty experienced with several advanced driving courses under my belt and my HGV class 2. I wouldn't consider towing or driving livestock in an HGV if gusts of 40mph were forecast. Having been caught out once when winds came in considerably stronger and several hours earlier than forecast and towed in gusts of probably 50-55mph its not a risk I'd take again. I got us home safely but an hour 15 minute journey took me nearly 2 hours and I was physically and mentally exhausted afterwards. Apart from anything else not only was it a danger to my horse and myself but also to other road users.
 
alibali said:
I'm pretty experienced with several advanced driving courses under my belt........
Click to expand...
Bit of a thread hijack - apologies

Which ones have you done?

I have done these advanced courses
Car 1997
LGV 1998
Observer car+LGV 1998
Senior observer 2004
Progress checks 2007 2010 2013 2016
F1RST 2017 - only because I did not have that on my record
 
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