Driving near a dust storm

Recognize the decision before visibility disappears

Dust can be a large approaching wall or a narrow plume crossing one part of a road. Either can hide stopped traffic. Do not use another driver’s willingness to continue as your test of safety. A warning is a reason to change the trip; visible dust is a reason to act even if your phone has not alerted.

Planning example: a passenger handles navigation while the driver concentrates on traffic. Alone, change navigation only after stopping safely.

Reference: National Weather Service: Dust Storms and Haboobs · Arizona DOT: Driving through a dust storm is never safe

Choose a safe pull-off without creating a second emergency

Look around before slowing or moving sideways. ADOT recommends leaving the highway completely when possible and avoiding travel lanes and emergency lanes as waiting places. The goal is separation from moving traffic, not merely reaching the pavement edge.

• Use an exit or established parking area you can still see.
• Beyond pavement, check for a ditch, wash, soft ground, slope, or barrier before moving onto it. Never blindly leave the pavement.
• Do not reverse on the highway, cross a median, or get out to scout an unseen route.

Reference: Arizona DOT: Pull Aside, Stay Alive safety card · National Weather Service: Dust Storms and Haboobs

Once stopped clear of traffic, manage lights and restraints

Other drivers may follow visible vehicle lights through dust and strike a parked car. After reaching a safe location fully clear of the traveled roadway and coming to a complete stop, select the appropriate parked gear, apply the parking brake, and take your foot off the brake pedal. Switch off headlights, taillights, emergency flashers, and interior lights.

• Keep everyone buckled in their seat or correctly fitted child restraint.
• Wait inside rather than opening doors to watch the storm.
• Do not step into the dust to check whether rear lights are off. Learn the controls while safely parked before a trip.

Reference: Arizona DOT: After you Pull Aside, Stay Alive · Arizona DOT: Pull Aside, Stay Alive safety card

Keep the wait organized and make your location usable

Once secure, one adult can watch people and conditions while another handles necessary communication. Avoid competing calls and instructions.

• Note road, direction, marker or exit, side of road, and vehicle description. Add a map location if available.
• Update a contact and ask them not to drive into the storm to meet you.
• Keep essentials in the cabin so no one needs to unload luggage.

In an emergency, give dispatch your location, callback number, and the danger. Explain any live-lane position or urgent medical need, then follow instructions.

Reference: National 911 Program: Calling and Texting 911 · Arizona DOT: Driving through a dust storm is never safe

Know when waiting in the vehicle is no longer the right plan

Staying buckled is the normal waiting plan. Smoke, fire, nearby impacts, rising water, or urgent illness may change it. Report the specific new danger.

A vehicle fire requires substantial separation: U.S. Fire Administration advises at least 100 feet and well away from traffic. Do not expose yourself to another hazard just to retrieve supplies.

Reference: U.S. Fire Administration: Vehicle Fire Safety · National Weather Service: During a Flood · National 911 Program: Calling and Texting 911

Leave the pull-off only after checking the whole route

A brief view of the lane is not an all-clear. Dust may be followed by rain, damage, or flooding. Check visibility, the re-entry route, and official road information.

1. From the protected position, look for debris, disabled vehicles, emergency crews, water, and renewed dust.
2. Check the next usable destination rather than assuming your original route is still sensible. An established safe stop may be the better goal.
3. Restore normal driving lights and use normal signals before moving. Rejoin only when you can see that it is safe.
4. If the vehicle is damaged, warning lights appear, or you cannot assess the pull-off surface, arrange assistance instead of forcing a restart.

Once safely parked elsewhere, update your contact, document damage, and replace supplies. Do not inspect the car from an exposed shoulder.

Reference: National Weather Service Tucson: Monsoon Safety · Arizona DOT: Driving through a dust storm is never safe

Prepare the people and the decision, not just the bag

Before leaving, identify reasonable stopping places and check the full route’s forecast and road reports. Save the relevant official services below.

• Agree on who will navigate, contact family, and support a child or person who becomes distressed.
• Keep a written location/contact card if phones or communication aids fail.
• Ask each passenger what help they would need to leave the vehicle in an actual emergency; do not assume everyone can walk on rough ground.
• Keep pets secured so opening a door during an emergency does not release them into traffic.

While safely parked at home, practice parking-brake and light controls, including automatic lights and brake hold. Check the manual; do not experiment beside a highway.

Reference: Arizona DOT: Driving through a dust storm is never safe · Arizona DOT: After you Pull Aside, Stay Alive