Driving in high winds can be extremely hazardous. We were saddened to read about the recent death of a Georgia firefighter who was killed in March when high winds sent a tree crashing onto his truck.
Stanley Henson, a 47-year-old firefighter from Blue Ridge, devoted his life to helping others, Fannin County fire Chief Larry Thomas said in an interview with Channel 2 Action News.
Henson was reported to be wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash near Dawsonville, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
The firefighter was on the road when a large swathe of North Georgia was under a wind advisory at the time and roads were slippery from rain. TV reports stated Henson was leaving his firefighting job and was heading to another gig as a truck driver when a tree hit his truck.
The dangers of driving in high winds
During the storms in March, two drivers died as high winds caused havoc in parts of metro Atlanta and North Georgia.
In Roswell, a driver was killed after hitting a pole and going into the water, reported the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Wind gusts reached up to 40 mph in isolated areas, according to Channel 2 weather reports.
The high gusts caused dangers across Georgia. Downed trees caused a loss of power in Smyrna, and trees and wires were downed south of Collier Road in northwest Atlanta.
The AJC reported a Georgia Power employee was injured by a falling tree as he fixed on power lines in Sandy Springs. His condition was not disclosed.
The insurance company Travelers gives the following advice about driving in high winds.
The company warns high winds are more likely in wide open spaces. Areas of particular concern for drivers include tunnels, bridges, highway overpasses, tunnels and cuts through mountainous areas that act as funnels for wind. Drivers should:
- Anticipate heavy wind gusts.Be very careful when driving through areas prone to strong winds or when weather reports highlight severe weather.
- Look out for larger vehicles.Be aware of and steer clear of tractor-trailers and recreational vehicles. They are more likely to be blown across the road and material may be blown off trucks.
- Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.Make sure you keep both hands on the steering wheel in case the wind moves your vehicle. This is particularly the case for high sided vehicles.
- Avoid trees. If possible stay away from the sides of roads where trees are more likely to be blown down.
Driving in high winds can be hazardous. As is the case with driving in snow or downpours, avoid driving unless it’s really necessary. If you are injured by the actions of another driver or by a hazard, call our Georgia injury lawyers at (404) 913-1529.