ALT-1 How to Drive Safely on Windy or Gusty Roads
Driving on windy roads, that's windy with a long "i," can be a challenging experience for most drivers. It takes a lot of concentration and practice become skilled at this. Curves coupled with the usual nearly non-existent shoulder make these roads extremely dangerous for novice and professional. This is especially true when trying to navigate an unknown section of road.
If you are unfamiliar with the road you are driving, you need to discipline yourself to drive well below the posted speed limit. Windy roads can surprise you with a hidden curve over the top of a steep hill. The intensity of the curve is not alway conveyed on caution signs placed before the curves to alert drivers to the safe speed to negotiate the upcoming stretch of highway.
Other drivers frequently will go over the center line of the road to help lessen the centrifugal force of the curve. If you are coming into the curve as they are coming around it, you can be presented with the danger of a head on collision. Drive very defensively. Always be aware of how you would make an exit from the road surface should such an event occur.
In this case, both drivers should move to the passenger side of the highway. You may have to drop off into the ditch. It's better to damage your car than to lose your life. Any stationary objects that you hit will only give the impact of your speed. If you hit the oncoming car, the impact will carry the combined force and speed of both vehicles.
As a rule, you should never cross the center line. If you feel that you need to do that, it is an indication that you are driving too fast. You also need to be on guard for tire drop off at the edge of the pavement. Many inexperienced drivers over steer their vehicles and end up in a wreck on the opposite side of the highway.
