As monsoon storms move into the Valley this weekend, the Arizona Department of Transportation is reminding drivers of what to do in case they’re stuck on the road with blowing dust and heavy rain.
ADOT is offering some tips who find themselves stuck in hazardous weather situations:
- If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic around you and begin slowing down.
- Don’t wait until poor visibility to pull aside — do it as soon as possible.
- Don’t stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off into the paved portion of the roadway.
- Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.
- Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
- Stay in the car with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
- Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be aware of changing weather conditions and reduced speed.
Not only does monsoon activity bring blowing dust, it also can produce severe flooding in a short period of time.
If you find yourself in an area with heavy rainfall, be sure to keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t risk crossing a flooded wash, even if it doesn’t look deep.
- Don’t drive around “Road Closed” signs.
- If traffic lights are out, treat an intersection as a four-way stop.
- Storm runoff can loosen boulders and rocks on slopes above highways. Stay alert in areas prone to falling rocks.
- Inspect your windshield wipers and replace if necessary.
- Reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance between your car and the one in front of you.
- Avoid sudden braking which can cause your car to slide on wet pavement.
