Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Maintenance Tip: Driving in a Dust Storm

A dust storm usually arrives suddenly in the form of an advancing wall of dust and debris which may be miles long and several thousand feet high. Dust storms can create dangerous, sometimes even deadly driving conditions and sometimes reduce visibility to zero. They strike with little warning, making driving conditions hazardous. Blinding, choking dust can quickly reduce visibility, causing accidents that may involve chain collisions, creating massive pileups.

  1. Do not enter a dust storm area if you can avoid it.
  2. Never stop in the travel lane!
  3. Travel at a speed suitable for limited visibility
  4. If you can pull over to the side of the road, just do it!
  5. Buckle your seat belt.
  6. If you can’t pull off the road, turn your LIGHTS ON.
  7. If you cannot pull over, proceed with caution based on visibility.
  8. Sound your horn occasionally.
  9. Use the painted center line to help guide you.
  10. If you are on the freeway, leave the freeway at an exit ramp, if possible.
  11. Look for a safe place to pull over.

After you are completely off the traveled portion of the roadway:

  • TURN OFF your vehicle lights. In the past, motorists were advised to park and keep the vehicle lights on. But this proved confusing to other drivers who were following the lights of the cars ahead of them. Often the front car was hit from behind, or the car following went off in a ditch.
  • Keep your car radio on
  • Set your emergency brake.
  • Take your foot off the brake pedal.
  • Wait until visibility is at least 300 feet before re-entering the roadway.
  • Heavy rain may follow the dust storm.

Courtesy of Car-Use.net

Storm

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More