While driving in high winds which would be safer?

Question

I wanted to know if you drive into a high wind area 40-70mph and drive a SUV, should you open your windows or keep them closed. Which would be better to prevent a roll over?

Answer 1

From a wind standpoint, it would have no effect in a headwind or tail wind.  In a crosswind, it would reduce the side to side pressure and likelyhood of a roll over a small percentage.

Answer 2

Closed!

For two reasons.

1. There's lots of stuff in the air and the chances are some will get blown and/or sucked inside.

2. You know the effects of driving around at, say 50 mph, with windows open in normal conditions. Just multiply that to get the idea what would happen if you drive at 50 mph in high wind. Two air streams are getting in - the wind and the air that streams around your car.

By closing windows you give the air chances to stream around your car. Especially when the car is moving. It's the basic aerodynamics. The passenger area is an enclosed space, cluttered and much less streamlined than a body of pretty much any car.

You may want to slow down or even stop.

Anyway, open windows increase drag and fuel consumption no matter what the speed of wind is.

There's one example when open windows are a good idea. If you expect an explosion and subsequent pressure wave to occur near your house. Your home stuff may suffer damage but open windows would reduce strain applied on the structure of the building.

Answer 3

Closed always.

Answer 4

closed leaves and other c**p can fly in your face and distract you

Answer 5

i think it's safer to close your window. there will be many distraction when it's open. that's the one you should consider.

Answer 6

It might help somewhat in a crosswind by letting the wind pass thru your car instead of smack right into it.  In a head/tailwind, closed windows will (not by much) reduce drag.

Answer 7

Don't open your windows because there are distractions? ***groan***

Open windows will give the wind less surface area, as the wind will blow right through the car. So if you're scared and can take 40-70 mph gusts, open the windows... it should cause the vehicle to be buffetted less.

Better yet, wait for better weather for your drive.

Answer 8

Keep them closed and drive slower that's all really ( oh and have your seat belt on :) ) .