Last week, high winds ripped through parts of California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico, knocking down trees and causing major power outages. So now is a good time to review steps that your fleet drivers can take when they find themselves in windy weather conditions. Here are some tips culled from Illinois Rules of the Road, published by the state of Illinois:

• Be mindful that high winds can cause difficult problems especially for drivers of trucks, recreational vehicles, campers and trailers in tow. Use extreme caution near such vehicles.

• Reduce your speed and make steering corrections when you go from a protected area to an open area.

• Heavy rain or sleet often accompanies high winds. Be alert to wet or slippery areas and plan for those conditions.