Charity Towing
Services
Coverage Area
Auto Repair

Driving Safety Tips

Dust Storm Dangers: Pull Aside and Stay Alive

0 Comments 02 November 2015

Arizona Dust Storm

Arizona Dust Storm

Power outages, delayed flights, eerie skies and wind down bursts are just a few of the common instances that can occur during a Haboob. A Haboob is a wall of dust that is created by air downbursts, typically as a result of a thunderstorm cell. Haboobs will drag dust and debris as it travels across the terrain. So what can you do to stay safe on the roads when this occurs?

Dust storms can create dangerous and sometimes even deadly driving conditions due to the reduced visibility or no visibility at all.

The area between Tucson and Phoenix is noted for being the only place in the United States to experience the “haboob,” a raging dust storm that travels across the desert at 50 to 60 mph.

Drivers need to be especially careful when traveling during the treacherous conditions a windstorm can bring. By practicing safe driving habits, you can reduce your risk of unexpectedly encountering a large tree or worse, another vehicle while driving.

If you run into a severe dust storm, reduce the speed of your vehicle immediately and drive carefully off the highway. Once you are off the paved portion of the roadway, turn your vehicle’s lights off to ensure other cars do not follow you off the road. In doing so, you decrease your chances of being hit by another vehicle that may follow you off the roadway. When the dust storm has passed, it is safe to return to the highway. If you are walking or riding your bike, get inside quickly or seek shelter.

Here are some other tips to help drivers safely maneuver through the Valley during a monsoon storm:

  • Reduce speed and turn on driving lights
  • Pull off the roadway

After you are completely off the traveled portion of the roadway:

  • Turn off driving lights
  • Set the emergency brake and take your foot off of the brakes.
  • Keep your car radio on
  • If you are on the freeway, leave the freeway at an exit ramp, if possible.
  • Wait until visibility is at least 300 feet before re-entering the roadway.
  • Heavy rain may follow the dust storm.
  • If you see a dust storm forming in the distance, exit the roadway immediately.

 

Most dust storms pass rather quickly, however it is important to wait them out no matter the timing. Be sure to follow these simple tips to ensure your safety and the safety of others around you. From our family to yours, drive carefully.

Whether you need a towing company due to mechanical failure or after you have been involved in an accident, Charity Towing and Recovery is here to assist you in Phoenix, AZ and throughout the surrounding areas, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

For affordable, rapid, reliable service, contact:
Charity Towing and Recovery
602.242.7489

Share your view

Post a comment