Dust Storm and Haboob Safety

Strong winds can sometimes trigger dangerous dust storms such as Haboobs, especially in the southwestern United States. These events are particularly concerning as they can drastically reduce visibility. As a result, driving can be extremely dangerous. 

With robust winds, dust storms can arrive at a moment’s notice. They come in the form of a very large wall of dust, sand and debris. This wall can be miles long and thousands of feet high. When it comes to driving, the low visibility can be extremely dangerous and cause several accidents, which can lead to a chain reaction of pileups. Luckily, dust storms only last a few minutes, but they can certainly cause a significant impact, including deaths and injuries.

If you find yourself caught in a dust storm, there are some safety tips that you can follow to navigate through this worrisome form of weather. When you first notice dust approaching or crossing the roadway, pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible. Next, you will want to stop and turn off the lights before engaging the emergency brake. Be sure to also remove your foot from the brake pedal to be sure taillights are not lit.

If you can’t pull your vehicle off the roadway, proceed at a safe speed based on the visibility. Keep your lights on as well and use your horn occasionally to let other drivers know where you are. The painted center line can also be used as a guide to make sure you are in the right lane. While driving, continue to look for a safe place to pull your vehicle off the roadway. It’s also very important to never stop on the roadway and if you can, avoid entering a dust storm.

The reason it’s important to turn your lights off when you pull off the pavement is that other drivers in your rear may think you are on the road if you keep them on. This will cause a chain reaction of cars leaving the pavement, which may result in even more collisions compounding on the roadways. 

Source: NWS
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