If you run into a severe dust storm, reduce the speed of your vehicle immediately and drive carefully off the highway. After you are off the paved portion of the roadway, turn off your vehicle's lights to ensure other cars do not follow you off the road and hit your vehicle. Wait until the dust storm had passed before getting back on the highway.
Do You Leave your lights on in a dust storm?
Lights Out! In the past, motorists driving in dust storms have pulled off the roadway, leaving lights on. Vehicles approaching from the rear and using the advance car's lights as a guide have inadvertently left the roadway and in some instances collided with the parked vehicle.
What happens when you drive in a dust storm?
In the past, motorists driving in dust storms have pulled off the roadway, leaving lights on. Vehicles approaching from the rear and using the advance car's lights as a guide have inadvertently left the roadway and in some instances collided with the parked vehicle.
What should I do if I run into a dust storm?
If you run into a severe dust storm, reduce the speed of your vehicle immediately and drive carefully off the highway. After you are off the paved portion of the roadway, turn off your vehicle's lights to ensure other cars do not follow you off the road and hit your vehicle.
Should you turn off your lights when pulling off the road?
Yes, and here’s why: If your car’s lights remain on, any vehicles coming up from behind could use the lights as a beacon, crashing into your car. Remember, you’ve pulled off the roadway to avoid other vehicles. Don’t leave on the lights and increase the possibility of attracting one.
Why do you turn off lights in a storm?
If you run into a severe dust storm, reduce the speed of your vehicle immediately and drive carefully off the highway. After you are off the paved portion of the roadway, turn off your vehicle's lights to ensure other cars do not follow you off the road and hit your vehicle.
What do you do in a car in a dust storm?
If you're in a dust storm, check traffic around your car and begin slowing down immediately.Safely pull off the roadway as soon as possible. ... Avoid stopping in a travel or emergency lane. ... Once you're pulled over, turn off all vehicle lights. ... Put on your emergency brake and then take your foot off the brake.More items...•
How do you survive a dust storm in a car?
Turn off all vehicle lights. You do not want other vehicles, approaching from behind, to use your lights as a guide and possibly crash into your parked vehicle. Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake. Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
What is the best option when driving in a dust storm?
Driving Tips Avoid driving into or through a dust storm if possible. While driving through dust and smoke make sure to have your headlights on. Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway — do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
Do you turn off your lights in a dust storm?
The campaign, which began in 2012, urges motorists to avoid driving into dust storms. If you are caught in low-visibility blowing dust, do the following: pull off the roadway as far as possible, turn off all vehicle lights, set the emergency brake and wait out the storm. Wait.
What is the 3/6 second rule?
Another commonly used following distance rule is to leave about one second of space per 10mph of following distance. This would mean three seconds of following distance at 30mph, six seconds at 60mph, and so on. Faster speeds mean drivers should leave greater following distances.
How do people drive in dusty weather?
If you are caught in a sand or dust storm or fog, take the following steps:Drive slowly, leaving enough distance between you and other cars. ... Remain alert – no distracted driving. ... Keep your headlights on, using low beams. ... Check the weather forecast and pay attention to any advisories.More items...•
Can you suffocate in a sandstorm?
High winds lift dirt or sand particles into the air, unleashing a turbulent, suffocating cloud that can reduce visibility to almost nothing in a matter of seconds and cause property damage, injuries, and deaths.
What do you do if you get caught in a Haboob?
So What Should You Do?Check for other vehicles around you and slow down.Look for a safe place to pull over.Turn off all vehicle lights.Park your vehicle as far away from the roads as you can.Put on your vehicle's emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.Wait in your vehicle until the storm passes.
How do you survive a dust storm?
Avoid outdoor activity. If you must go outside, spend as little time outside as possible. Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or damp cloth to reduce exposure to dust particles. A P2 or P3 mask, available from hardware stores, should block even the finest particles if fitted correctly over the nose and mouth.
What do you do for a sandstorm in your foot?
On foot: 1: Take cover on the leeward side of a large object, such as a big rock, tree, or structure. If nothing is available, seek out high ground. 2: Cover your eyes, ears, mouth, and nose with a piece of cloth, wetting it down first if possible.
How long do dust storms last?
Dust storms often come with no warning and can significantly reduce visibility, resulting in deadly multi-vehicle accidents on roadways. During an average year, generally one to three dust storms will move into the Phoenix area. Dust storms usually last a few minutes to an hour.
How do people drive in dusty weather?
If you are caught in a sand or dust storm or fog, take the following steps:Drive slowly, leaving enough distance between you and other cars. ... Remain alert – no distracted driving. ... Keep your headlights on, using low beams. ... Check the weather forecast and pay attention to any advisories.More items...•
How do you survive a dust storm?
Avoid outdoor activity. If you must go outside, spend as little time outside as possible. Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or damp cloth to reduce exposure to dust particles. A P2 or P3 mask, available from hardware stores, should block even the finest particles if fitted correctly over the nose and mouth.
Do sandstorms damage cars?
Driving through a sandstorm, also known as a haboob in the Southwestern United States, can cause significant damage to the exterior of your vehicle. There will be erosion of painted surfaces, glass and trim. Additionally it will instantly weather your car by 10 years.
How to avoid a dust storm?
Dust Storm Safety Tips 1 If dense dust is observed blowing across or approaching a roadway, pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off lights, set the emergency brake, take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated. 2 Don't enter the dust storm area if you can avoid it. 3 If you can't pull off the roadway, proceed at a speed suitable for visibility, turn on lights and sound horn occasionally. Use the painted center line to help guide you. Look for a safe place to pull off the roadway. 4 Never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway.
How long does a dust storm last?
Dust storms usually last only a few minutes, but the actions a motorist takes during the storm may be the most important of his or her life.
What to do if dust blows across the road?
If dense dust is observed blowing across or approaching a roadway, pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off lights, set the emergency brake, take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated.
What to do if you can't pull off the roadway?
If you can't pull off the roadway, proceed at a speed suitable for visibility, turn on lights and sound horn occasionally. Use the painted center line to help guide you. Look for a safe place to pull off the roadway.
Do you have to leave your lights on when driving in a dust storm?
In the past, motorists driving in dust storms have pulled off the roadway, leaving lights on. Vehicles approaching from the rear and using the advance car's lights as a guide have inadvertently left the roadway and in some instances collided with the parked vehicle. Make sure all of your lights are off when you park off the roadway.
What happens to your windshield when you have a dust storm?
The Windshield: Dust storms carry small rocks and other materials that can crack or chip your windshield. You want to check this part of your vehicle for any damage that needs repairing. You also want to check your windshield washer fluid to make sure you are prepared.
Why is it important to know how to handle driving in a dust storm?
Because there is such a likelihood they will occur during those months, it is important to know how to handle driving in a dust storm and what to check on your vehicle afterwards to ensure your vehicle is ready to get back on the road, safely.
Can dust storms cause damage to air filters?
Of course, dust storms can cause dust to get inside of your air filter. You should get your car checked regularly to ensure that these Arizona dust storms do not do unnecessary amounts of damage to your car. Proper car maintenance can help keep your car running for a long time. Talk to the professionals at Sun Devil Auto to get your car checked after a big haboob.
