ADOT seeks drivers’ feedback on dust storm communication

PHOENIX – Driving into dust storms can be dangerous – even deadly. That’s why the Arizona Department of Transportation takes seriously its efforts to communicate those dangers to drivers.

ADOT is conducting research into communication strategies for dust storm awareness and is looking for feedback from motorists. Drivers are invited to participate in an online survey at surveyentrance.com/run/pib/p1990/adotwebsite.

The survey, conducted for ADOT by Phoenix-based Partners In Brainstorms, is designed to gauge driver reaction to dust storms, assess ADOT’s educational efforts and explore other ways public-service agencies can reach out to motorists about the dangers of dust storms. This research effort is one of three focus areas – including education and engineering/operations – to be used by ADOT to combat crashes and fatalities related to dust storms on Arizona’s highways.

“The dust problem has many facets,” said Dianne Kresich, ADOT project manager for the study. “The survey is only one component of this study, which will arm us with an evidence-based understanding of existing practices in Arizona and other states, and look at strategies and techniques on how to better approach the issue of dust storms.”

In addition to the survey, selected community members from Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties will have the opportunity to participate in focus groups to help shape ADOT’s future public-education efforts about dust and other low-visibility events that impact highway travel.

The research project is designed to provide recommendations on a variety of topics related to dust storms – from communication with travelers to dust storm monitoring and data acquisition. The results of this study will help ADOT to better communicate information about dust storms with drivers.

For information regarding driving in dust storms, please visit PullAsideStayAlive.org.