Categories: LocalTips/Tricks

5 Tips for Driving in a Dust Storm in Arizona

A close up of bad weather

Arizona is filled with beautiful weather, high temperatures and sunny days. We never have to worry about snowstorms or hurricanes, but we do have to be aware of the possibility of dust storms. Dust storms are strong winds filled with dense blinding dust. They most often occur in the summer months of the year. Today we’re going to help you stay prepared by going through five tips for driving in a dust storm here in Arizona.

Are dust storms dangerous to drive in?

A dust storm can easily be spotted because it looks like a giant cylinder of dust. They can be many miles wide and go rolling across the desert. If a dust storm makes its way to the highway, it can throw drivers into near darkness almost instantly. If you are driving when a dust storm strikes DO NOT stop on the road because cars will most likely be coming behind you and not see you in time to stop.

Instead of stopping, you should slow down and pull to the side of the road, turn off all lights and wait until it’s safe to resume driving. If traffic prevents you from pulling off the road, look down at the white lines on the payment to keep the car pointing in the correct direction. Continue to drive slowly until the dust passes, which should only take a few minutes.

In conclusion, when you find yourself in a dust storm:

DON’T panic
DON’T stop in the middle of the road.
DO drive slowly and safely to the side of the road
If you can’t pull over, drive slowly and watch the lane line
Wait it out

[ Related: Mercedes-Benz Safety Features ]

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