Wondering How/why Drivers Keep Going In The Wind?

It's currently 30 to 50 mph sustained winds with gusts hitting above 60 to 65 mph. I'm in Kansas. The winds are north, northwest so crosswinds for the most part. Additionally it's causing blowing dust and loss of visibility.

I anticipated this, following the weather, I snuck in a few hours of driving from 0200 to 0530 when the winds calm down a bit during that time. Towards the end of that though, even with 44k in the box, gusts we're pushing me sideways and causing very erratic behavior from the truck. Even at 45 mph or slower. I watched other guys pass me and could see them noticably having issues. A couple of them had their trailers almost diagonal and I could see it twisting.

I'm shut down for today as the gusts are expected to hit in excess of 70 mph through the afternoon. I'm watching a steady stream of trucks driving through this though. Are they oblivious to conditions or just don't care? What am I missing here? My dispatch even sent out messages that said it's recommended to shut down due to high winds.

Not that I'm going to drive in this anyway, it's just plain uncomfortable and nerve wracking, on top of it, the trailer is loaded in such a way that I have to have the tandems at the 40' mark to be balanced and legal, so a whole lot of trailer sticking out in the wind. But it baffles me. Idk, maybe I'm too cautious?

Some drivers just don't get it until they're laying on their side, freight spilled all over the highway, and no job prospects.

Safety and common sense are always a solid bet.

Too many drivers think it won't be them on their side until it is too late. You might make it 999 times out of 1,000 but that 1 time could be all it takes.

As the saying goes, better to get there late than not at all. Much of wind related decision making is based on how heavy you are loaded and how you feel as the driver. If you are scared of the way your rig is handling, get off the road to a safe place. I tend to be conservative in this area. I also observe other drivers and see if the rest stops are filled with drivers who decided to get parked and wait out the winds. I guess this is one good reason to have a CB to pick up the chatter about the wind.

...it’s the same reason why drivers attempt precarious u-turns, speed in construction zones, drive under low over passes, text while driving and continue to operate on an expired CDL.

The word “professional” implies a level of responsibility and knowledge that is lacking with many drivers.

Call me jaded... but the stupidity is pervasive.

It's new technology. They don't need diesel or oil. They're sail trucks. It's like boats, but for land. Instead of an engine powered speed boat, you have a sail boat and when the wind gusts are 70 MPH, you have a green speed boat.

Ever notice how so many of them are owner ops? The mega carriers tell us to shut down, but those owners feel like they have to run. Then they risk losing everything. Be safe and be smart

It's new technology. They don't need diesel or oil. They're sail trucks. It's like boats, but for land. Instead of an engine powered speed boat, you have a sail boat and when the wind gusts are 70 MPH, you have a green speed boat.

Haha, it’s like when PackRat told us that when he delivers, he doesn’t back into spaces. He said he drops his trailer and let’s the yard drivers park it. I bought it hook line and sinker until he made it clear he was joking. Sail boat trucks and trailers are in the same category.

I fought the wind from New Ulm, MN to Northfield, MN early this morning. Round Two just ended today in Shelby, IA at the Love's.

The Wind won today. Rematch after dark.

I fought the wind from New Ulm, MN to Northfield, MN early this morning. Round Two just ended today in Shelby, IA at the Love's.

The Wind won today. Rematch after dark.

What were the wind speeds? Did you consider shutting down?