Re: the May 22 article "'Gorilla snot' now being applied to keep dust down on 1-10 near NM."
In this article, Star reporter Tom Beal said that drivers have only two bad choices if they become caught in a sudden dust storm. I propose an alternative.
For several years, the Arizona Department of Transportation and other agencies have encouraged drivers in that situation to "Pull Aside, Stay Alive." Our first advice: Get off the highway before blowing dust makes it difficult to see other drivers. But if thatβs not possible, hereβs what we recommend:
β’ Look for a safe place to pull entirely off the highway, including any emergency lane or shoulder. Pulling off to the right is safest to avoid hazards from oncoming traffic, but pulling into the median is safer than remaining in travel lanes.
β’ Turn off all lights, including your emergency flashers. Other drivers who see your lights might try to follow you to safety.
β’ Set your emergency brake but take your foot off the brake pedal. We donβt want someone else to drive toward your brake lights.
β’ Stay inside your vehicle and keep your safety belt buckled.
β’ Once the storm has passed and visibility is good again, continue on your way.
Our website, PullAsideStayAlive.org, lists all of those tips. Beal was right that stopping in a travel lane or blindly driving into a dust storm are bad choices. But you have another, safer choice: "Pull Aside, Stay Alive."
Dallas Hammit
ADOT Deputy Director for Transportation/State Engineer
Phoenix
