With dust reducing visibility on Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, motorists should be aware of the latest weather conditions, avoid driving into blowing dust and pull completely off the roadway if they are caught.
Drivers should expect the possibility that strong winds will kick up dust and limit visibility. When that happens, the Arizona Department of Transportation has some straightforward advice: Pull Aside, Stay Alive.
If a dust storm approaches, try to exit the freeway if you can do so safely. If you’re caught in blowing dust, follow these safety tips from PullAsideStayAlive.org:
- Immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
- Don’t wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway.
- Don’t stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane.
- Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your parked vehicle.
- Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
- Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, call 511 or follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT).