“The road is closed to high-sided vehicles” is a common traffic news comment in stormy weather. High winds can make it unsafe to drive on exposed roads. And while even the biggest of vans are not true high siders, they can be severely buffeted around when empty.

The answer appears to lie in the electronic stability control systems that are now fitted as standard to most modern vehicles. It’s commonly thought of as traction control but is actually able to do much more, using a clever combination of sensors and brake control.

For example, Ford now fits its Side Wind Stabilisation system to all new Transit and Transit Custom vans. At vehicle speeds of more than 50mph, the Side Wind Stabilisation system monitors stability sensors 100 times per second. If a sudden gust is detected, the system will apply the brakes on one side of the vehicle in order to counter the effect of the wind.

You can see the Side Wind Stabilisation system in action in this video from Ford:

“No-one likes that feeling when your vehicle gets caught by a wind gust, or you are passing close to a fast-moving truck,” said Marc Suermann, chassis controls supervisor, Ford of Europe. “This new technology will help make driving less stressful for Transit drivers, particularly on those dark and stormy winter days.”

The new Side Wind Stabilisation system was part of a package of new driver assistance systems introduced on the Transit and Transit Custom alongside Ford’s new EcoBlue diesel engine. Other measures include Pre-Collision Assist emergency braking, which is the first in its segment to include pedestrian detection technology.