Pull Aside Stay Alive

Monsoon Awareness Week reminds Arizonans of severe weather dangers

Monsoon Awareness Week reminds Arizonans of severe weather dangers

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Monsoon Awareness Week reminds Arizonans of severe weather dangers

Monsoon Awareness Week reminds Arizonans of severe weather dangers

June 12, 2017

PHOENIX – Coming soon: Spectacular sunsets and brief heat relief from monsoon moisture.

Also coming soon: Low- or no-visibility on roadways caused by dust storms.

Monsoon season is returning to Arizona and during Monsoon Awareness Week, June 12-16, the Arizona Department of Transportation is reminding drivers how to stay safe on roadways when dust storms arrive.

ADOT’s top tip: Do not drive into a dust storm. Towering, dense, blowing dust can drop visibility to zero, as if every motorist is driving blind. Just as dangerous are the small dust channels that can whip across roadways in an instant, affording drivers little or no opportunity to avoid them. In such events, ADOT has developed the following “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” dust storm safety driving tips, which can help travelers survive a storm.

  • Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
  • If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  • Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway – do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
  • Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your parked vehicle.
  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
  • Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

ADOT uses an array of tools to alert motorists to severe weather events that can impact travel, including posting messages on overhead signs, the 511 travel information line and social media. During dust storms, ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center staff is in constant communication with crews and law enforcement officers in the field, as well as partnering agencies, to keep current information flowing to travelers.

That information will improve soon. Later this year construction is scheduled to begin on a first-of-its-kind dust detection zone on Interstate 10 between Eloy and Picacho. The $12.8 million project, funded in part by a FASTLANE grant from the Federal Highway Administration, includes placement of multiple short-range dust-detection units between mileposts 209-219, plus one long-range unit.

More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.com and safety tips for driving in rainstorms can be found at azdot.gov/monsoon.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Travel Information Center at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed @ArizonaDOT.

Pooling ideas to reduce the dangers from dust storms

Pooling ideas to reduce the dangers from dust storms

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Pooling ideas to reduce the dangers from dust storms

Pooling ideas to reduce the dangers from dust storms

March 18, 2017

Dust Storm

By Tom Herrmann / ADOT Communications

You’ve heard this one before: Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it.

Perhaps.

Weather professionals, scientists, engineers and others met recently at Central Arizona College to talk about a weather phenomenon that seems to strike in Arizona more than anywhere else: dust storms. It’s the fifth consecutive year the group has come together to talk about how to make Arizona roads safer when winds out in front of storms kick up a wall of dust.

2017-0318-analysis

Dust Detection Program

This year's program included ADOT engineer Reza Karimvand explaining an innovative dust detection project planned for a stretch of I-10 near Picacho. It will identify when blowing dust has reduced visibility and automatically set in motion electronic messages and lower speed limits to reduce the danger for drivers. This system, which could become a model for other states, is expected to advertise for bids this summer, Karimvand said.

Another prime topic: education. One participant suggested putting dust storm information on the test for a driver license. Another suggested an education program for the trucking industry modeled after ADOT’s Pull Aside, Stay Alive campaign, which has been in place since 2011.

Technology can help make roads like Interstate 10 safer, but the best defense against blowing dust may just be an old standby: personal responsibility. Whatever technology brings, it will never be safe to drive into a dust storm. So don't.

Drivers may encounter blowing dust along I-10 southeast of Phoenix

Drivers may encounter blowing dust along I-10 southeast of Phoenix

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Drivers may encounter blowing dust along I-10 southeast of Phoenix

Drivers may encounter blowing dust along I-10 southeast of Phoenix

January 23, 2017

PHOENIX – Drivers should be prepared for blowing dust and reduced visibility along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The National Weather Service says gusty winds were recorded in the Casa Grande area today and the Department of Public Safety reported areas of blowing dust crossing I-10 southeast of Phoenix.

Dust along portions of I-10 is just one of a number of weather-related issues motorists may encounter across the state due to the third in a series of winter storms in recent days.

Drivers should use caution as additional snow, windy conditions and icy spots on highways can still be expected in the state’s high country.

ADOT will continue to monitor information from the National Weather Service as the latest winter storm impacts travel in many areas.

In some locations, including I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson, winds may continue to kick up dust and limit visibility. When that happens, the Arizona Department of Transportation has some straightforward advice: Pull Aside, Stay Alive.

If a dust storm approaches, try to exit the freeway if you can do so safely. If you’re caught in blowing dust, follow these safety tips from PullAsideStayAlive.org:

  • Immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  • Don’t wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway.
  • Don’t stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your parked vehicle.
  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

As for travel in areas expecting more snow, winter driving tips are available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, call 511 or follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT).

With extreme weather possible, be prepared to wait out a storm

With extreme weather possible, be prepared to wait out a storm

I-17 101 traffic interchange

With extreme weather possible, be prepared to wait out a storm

With extreme weather possible, be prepared to wait out a storm

August 9, 2016

PHOENIX ‒ With thunderstorms occurring in southern Arizona and extreme weather possible elsewhere in the state, drivers should leave prepared and be ready to wait out heavy rain, high winds and blowing dust.

The latest National Weather Service forecast calls for a strong chance of rain and thunderstorms through at least Wednesday evening. Before driving on highways, review the Arizona Department of Transportation’s monsoon-safety tips at PullAsideStayAlive.org.

Monsoon storms can produce sudden, torrential rain. Turn on your headlights while driving in threatening weather and, when roads are wet, reduce speed and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead.

Avoid areas where water is pooling in travel lanes. If your vehicle appears to be hydroplaning, ease your foot off the gas pedal until you regain traction rather than braking suddenly, which can cause a vehicle to skid off the roadway.

Don’t risk crossing a flooded wash, even if it doesn’t look deep. Just a few inches of running water can carry away a vehicle, even a heavy pickup truck or SUV.

Downdrafts from thunderstorms can create sudden dust storms. If you see blowing dust ahead, get off the highway as soon as you can do so safely. Don’t wait until poor visibility makes it difficult.

If you are caught in blowing dust, immediately check traffic around your vehicle, begin slowing down and get completely off the roadway. Don’t stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane.

Once you are off the highway, turn off all lights, including your emergency flashers, so another vehicle doesn’t use your lights as a guide and crash into your parked vehicle. Set your emergency brake, take your foot off the brake and stay in the vehicle with seat belts buckled until the storm passes.

To stay up to date on highway conditions across Arizona, visit ADOT’s travel information site az511.gov or dial 511 from within Arizona. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) also the latest has information on highway conditions. However, never use a cellphone or other mobile device while driving.

Not all dust storms are the same

Not all dust storms are the same

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Not all dust storms are the same

Not all dust storms are the same

July 19, 2016

Dust Storm

By Kira Frost / ADOT Meteorology Intern

If you've lived in Arizona very long, you've probably heard the terms dust storm and haboob a few times. You may not have known there are three different types of dust storms with unique characteristics.

Below are the three types of dust storms and their causes.

Winter storms: These storms are caused by strong winds over a large desert areas gusting dust up into the air, creating hazy conditions. These storms, which usually occur from winter to early spring, can reduce visibility and air quality.

Monsoonal storms: Haboobs originate from monsoonal storm activity and the severe atmosphere that also creates thunderstorms. This atmosphere causes a down draft or microburst of air that blasts downward, kicking dust into the air and creating a wall of thick dust. Haboobs can travel quickly and be as wide as 100 miles. Avoid travel when these strong monsoon storms hit.

Channelized Dust: This phenomenon is different that the two above, which can be predicted, seen and thus avoided. Channelized dust has proven more fatal and hazardous for Arizona highways because it can occur during any season and pop out of nowhere. When the right amount of forceful wind travels over dry deserts, a channel of dust can kick up and spiral across a highway, reducing visibility to nothing in mere seconds.

Since you may encounter these storms unexpectedly, you need to be prepared. ADOT's Pull Aside Stay Alive safety campaign aims to keep drivers safe when the dust blows.

Tips for drivers caught in a dust storm:

  • Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
  • If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  • Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway – do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
  • Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
  • Stop your vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and away from where other vehicles may travel.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.
  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seat belts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
  • Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds in high wind.
  • A driver’s alertness and driving ability are always the top factors in preventing crashes. It is your responsibility to avoid distracted or impaired driving.

Editor's Note: ASU’s School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning has partnered with ADOT to place graduate-level meteorology students in the ADOT Traffic Operations Center. This allows ADOT to have better information about weather conditions and more quickly determine how to deploy crews and communicate with the public.

Blowing dust reducing visibility on I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson

Blowing dust reducing visibility on I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Blowing dust reducing visibility on I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson

Blowing dust reducing visibility on I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson

July 18, 2016

PHOENIX – With monsoon season underway, drivers should expect the possibility that strong winds will kick up dust and limit visibility. When that happens, the Arizona Department of Transportation has some straightforward advice: Pull Aside, Stay Alive.

If a dust storm approaches, try to exit the freeway if you can do so safely. If you’re caught in blowing dust, follow these safety tips from PullAsideStayAlive.org:

To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, call 511 or follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT).

  • Immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  • Don’t wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway.
  • Don’t stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your parked vehicle.
  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

From the Director: When thunder roars, ADOT rolls

From the Director: When thunder roars, ADOT rolls

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From the Director: When thunder roars, ADOT rolls

From the Director: When thunder roars, ADOT rolls

June 27, 2016

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

Roadway in a dust storm.

For those of us in Arizona, summertime means much higher temperatures during the day, not-so-cool nights in the desert, and the monsoon that brings memorable lightning shows and dust storms. The weather officials designate monsoon season from mid-June to mid-September. At ADOT, our crews remind everyone of the do’s and don’ts of driving through a dust storm with our "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" education campaign. Your safety is important to us at ADOT, so I encourage you to follow our messages and avoid driving into or through a dust storm.

ADOT is doing more than an education campaign. We are partnering with Arizona State University in having a meteorology graduate student work with our Traffic Operations Center in Phoenix, monitoring weather and providing real-time insight into changing conditions. We can deploy our crews and communicate to the public on pending weather conditions, like dust storms, to make our roads safer for travel, especially during the monsoon. It is a unique partnership I’m proud exists at the agency.

This past month, we witnessed the need to close I-10 in both directions several times near San Simon due to blowing dust from a neighboring farm. Through that effort, we are witnessing enhanced coordination with multiple state agencies. Besides the law enforcement activity associated with closing a major highway during a dust storm, it sometimes requires us to work with other agencies like the Arizona departments of Agriculture or Environmental Quality to assist with dust mitigation efforts. As always, the Arizona Department of Public Safety is a key partner.

For the future, ADOT will work closely with the Arizona Department of Public Safety on implementing variable speed limits when weather conditions like dust storms warrant a reduction in the speed limit for safety.

Drive safely this summer. And wait on washing your vehicle until the monsoon ends!


Director-Halikowski-headshot

 

This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's 
   LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.

Driving Safety Home: Be alert and expect the unexpected

Driving Safety Home: Be alert and expect the unexpected

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Driving Safety Home: Be alert and expect the unexpected

Driving Safety Home: Be alert and expect the unexpected

June 24, 2016

By Dallas Hammit / ADOT Deputy Director for Transportation

This month’s Driving Safety Home message was going to focus solely on Pull Aside, Stay Alive, ADOT’s annual safety campaign that coincides with the start of summer’s monsoon season. But then, recently, within the span of just a few days, two people working on state highways were hit and killed by vehicles.

On the morning of June 13, a passenger car struck and killed an employee of a contractor working on an ADOT project as he was removing barricades from Loop 101 Pima Freeway in Scottsdale. Earlier in the month, a box truck hit and killed a tow company driver responding to a stalled vehicle on Interstate 10 near Benson.

These tragedies show us all just how important it is for drivers to limit distractions and pay attention on the road.

I still want to provide details on dust storm safety, but first I am going to remind you of Arizona’s “Move Over” law. It requires motorists to move over one lane – or slow down if it is not safe to change lanes – when driving by ANY vehicle with flashing lights pulled to the side of the roadway.

ADOT has hundreds of employees working on maintenance and construction projects all over the state and, as you can imagine, the “Move Over” law is very important to us here at ADOT. I hope you’ll always remember to move over when it is safe to do so because it could help save a life. I also encourage you to share the message with your friends and family. Many of them might not know that the law was expanded in 2011 to cover, not only authorized emergency vehicles, but ANY stationary vehicle, including tow trucks, cars belonging to stranded motorists and ADOT vehicles.

As for work zone safety, there’s quite a bit of information on our website for you to review and share. Most importantly, I ask that you remember to expect the unexpected – speed limits may be reduced and people may be working in the road. It’s crucial for drivers to slow down, keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and pay attention.

Now, on to dust storm safety ...

As in previous years, we’re warning all motorists that they should NEVER drive into a dust storm. However, we also want to make sure you know that even smaller dust channels can be just as dangerous as those 3,000-foot haboobs we’ve seen before. The smaller storms are often fast moving and can whip up dust alongside highways without warning, meaning drivers often don’t have a chance to avoid them.

Please visit PullAsideStayAlive.org where you’ll find safe-driving tips and additional information. You should also know that ADOT employs a number of tools, including overhead highway signs, the 511 travel information line and social media to provide motorists with the latest conditions. Please check Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) and az511.gov BEFORE you get on the road. And, again, please be sure to share this information with your loved ones so they can travel safe.

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: More safety messages from Dallas Hammit, ADOT's state engineer, are available at Driving Safety Home on azdot.gov.

 

Monsoon Awareness Week reminds Arizonans of dust storm dangers

Monsoon Awareness Week reminds Arizonans of dust storm dangers

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Monsoon Awareness Week reminds Arizonans of dust storm dangers

Monsoon Awareness Week reminds Arizonans of dust storm dangers

June 13, 2016

PHOENIX – Towering haboobs, dense dust storms, flash flooding and blinding dust channels. These are some of the dangers Arizona drivers face during monsoon season.

The Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona Department of Public Safety, National Weather Service and other agencies are reminding drivers during Monsoon Awareness Week how to stay safe on roadways when dust storms arrive.

The top tip: Do not drive into a dust storm. Dense, swirling dust can drop visibility to zero, as if every motorist is driving with a blindfold. Do you want to be on a road with drivers who can’t see? Remember: “Pull Aside, Stay Alive.”

However, avoiding a dust storm is not always possible. Fast-moving dust channels can whip up dust alongside highways without warning. These smaller events can be more dangerous than 3,000-foot haboobs because drivers often do not have a chance to avoid them. ADOT has developed the following “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” dust storm safety driving tips, which can help motorists survive a storm:

  • Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
  • If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  • Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway -- do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
  • Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your parked vehicle.
  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
  • Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

While this week marks the official beginning of monsoon season, blowing dust is a year-round driving danger. The occasional winter dust storm and recent closures of Interstate 10 near the Arizona-New Mexico state line because of swirling dust from fallow farmland are proof of that.

To alert drivers of approaching storms, ADOT employs an array of tools, including posting messages to overhead highway signs, the 511- travel information line and social media, including Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) for up-to-the-minute conditions. During dust storms, ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center staff is in constant communication with crews and law enforcement officers in the field, as well as partner agencies, to keep current information flowing to motorists.

More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.com and MonsoonSafety.org.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Travel Information Center at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed @ArizonaDOT.

Why you should turn off your vehicle's lights when pulling aside for dust

Why you should turn off your vehicle's lights when pulling aside for dust

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Why you should turn off your vehicle's lights when pulling aside for dust

Why you should turn off your vehicle's lights when pulling aside for dust

June 13, 2016

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications

With Monsoon Awareness Week underway, we're highlighting the Arizona Department of Transportation's Pull Aside, Stay Alive campaign emphasizing dust storm safety.

The campaign, which began in 2012, urges motorists to avoid driving into dust storms. If you are caught in low-visibility blowing dust, do the following: pull off the roadway as far as possible, turn off all vehicle lights, set the emergency brake and wait out the storm.

Wait. Turn off all vehicle lights?

Yes, and here’s why: If your car’s lights remain on, any vehicles coming up from behind could use the lights as a beacon, crashing into your car. Remember, you’ve pulled off the roadway to avoid other vehicles. Don’t leave on the lights and increase the possibility of attracting one.

Here’s the full list of “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” dust storm safety tips:

  • Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
  • If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  • Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway – do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
  • Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your parked vehicle.
  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seat belts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
  • Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.