Dust storm warning for southeast Arizona

For Immediate Release: June 26, 2012

Contact: ADOT Public Information Office

news@azdot.gov – or – 1-800-949-8057

 

Strong winds, blowing dust could affect travel in southeast Arizona

Reduced visibility, possible dust storms could slow traffic

 

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation is warning drivers that blowing dust affect visibility for drivers traveling in southeast Arizona. The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a dust storm warning for southeast Arizona until 6 p.m. tonight.

 

Travel along highways, including Interstates 10 (between Casa Grande and Tucson; Tucson and New Mexico state border) and Interstate 8 (near Casa Grande), could be affected by dusty conditions.

ADOT urges drivers to take extra precaution as strong winds can result in sudden periods of limited or zero visibility due to blowing dust, especially in desert areas. Motorists play an important role in safety when operating their vehicles during a dust storm.

ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety recommend the following driving tips when encountering a low-visibility dust storm: 

      ●    Avoid driving into or through a dust storm  

      ●    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.

●    If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down

●    Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway

      ●    Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and away from where other vehicles may travel.

      ●    Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers

      ●    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

      ●    Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds

      ●    A driver’s alertness and safe driving ability is still the number one factor to prevent crashes.

 

ADOT, along with DPS and NWS, will continue to work as a public safety team to support Arizona’s highways and drivers and will closely monitor conditions on the highways while maintaining driver safety.

 

Drivers planning trips are urged to monitor travel conditions by calling 5-1-1 within Arizona, 1-888-411-ROAD outside the state, or at www.az511.gov. The ADOT Traffic Operations Center will post advisory messages on sign boards with dust storm warning information.

 

Because weather conditions can quickly evolve, drivers are encouraged to regularly check in with ADOT’s Traveler Information Service. Motorists should delay travel plans if possible.

 

Prior to the start of monsoon season, ADOT, DPS, NWS and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety launched the “Pull Aside – Stay Alive” campaign, including television and radio public-education programs, to aid drivers who encounter dust storms. For more information on the public awareness campaign, including drivers tips, please visit www.PullAsideStayAlive.org.

 

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