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Jun 15
2020

Dust Storms: Sudden and Deadly

Posted by Scott  filed under Safety

Of all the summer severe weather threats, dust storms are underrated.  Huge clouds of dust kicked up by storm winds can cause reduced visibility levels that can approach zero in a matter of seconds.  The sudden vision decrease can result in accidents on highways and backroads alike.  More likely to occur in the early and drier part of the summer monsoon, dust storms can happen any time a thunderstorm is brewing in the area.  Dust storms can create deadly driving conditions; remain vigilant during monsoon.

If you cannot avoid driving into a dust storm, pull off the road as far as safety allows and park, making sure your lights are off – including your brake lights (take your foot off the brake after putting the vehicle in park or engaging the parking break while out of gear).  Drivers tend to follow tail lights during limited visibility thinking they are behind a fellow motorist that is trudging through.  Keeping your lights on, including brakes, puts you at a greater risk of being hit.  Luckily, a dust storm usually passes in a few minutes – the intense winds that kick up the dust keep it moving along – with the most severe lasting less than an hour.  It is recommended to stay in place until safe to resume your journey.  For more information, check out pullasidestayalive.org.

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