Monsoon season is upon us, and with it comes the threat of dust storms and sudden downpours that are characteristic of this time of the year in Arizona, running officially from June 15 through September 30. With Monsoon Awareness Week kicking off on June 9, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is putting out the call for drivers to be vigilant and prepared for extreme weather conditions that could severely impact road safety.
ADOT’s "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" campaign is offering tips on what to do when encountering dust storms or heavy rains while driving. If seeing a wall of approaching dust, the best course of action is to avoid driving into it. However, if caught by blowing dust or reduced visibility on the highway, drivers should check traffic, slow down, and look for a safe place to pull off the road completely, as per ADOT. Once safely off the paved surface, set the emergency brake, turn off all vehicle lights to prevent your car from acting as a misguided lighthouse, buckle up, and wait it out.
Heavy rainfall, though less common, presents its challenges during the Arizona monsoon. According to ADOT, motorists must maintain their vehicles for such conditions, including checking and replacing windshield wipers affected by the arid climate. When behind the wheel during a downpour, it's crucial to increase visibility by turning on headlights, adjusting driving speeds accordingly, and keeping a safe following distance. In addition, they advise against sudden braking and caution drivers to avoid areas with pooled water in travel lanes.
Furthermore, because summer also means road trip season, ADOT suggests assembling an emergency travel kit. This should include water, snacks, sun protection, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a charged cell phone to cope with any unplanned delays or roadside emergencies, as detailed by ADOT. For those looking for up-to-the-minute travel conditions, real-time updates and highway camera access are available at ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site, or through the downloadable AZ511 app.
