Wednesday's Words a Haboob Haiku

"Wham, bam, dust storm jam / Can’t see? Don’t drive, pull over / Lights out ‘til all clear"

This was one of the Arizona Department of Transportation's favorite submissions to their "Haboob Haiku" challenge.   In light of recent dust storms, these words seemed appropriate for today's blog.

There has already been one reported death in Kansas due to driving in a dust storm.  Please be careful.  The following driving tips are recommended when encountering a low-visibility dust storm or smoky conditions with the understanding that driver judgment is the most important factor when driving in adverse conditions: 

• Avoid driving into or through a dust storm if possible.

• While driving through dust and smoke make sure to have your headlights on.  

• 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. 

• Do not stop in a travel 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 other vehicles. 

•Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers, while parked. You need to turn off your lights to prevent other vehicles from following you and causing a collision.

• Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake pedal.

• Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt 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.