How To Stay Safe If You’re Caught In A Dust Storm

Dust storms are a frequent occurrence in Australia. But driving through a dust storm is certainly not common! Hailed as one of the most risky conditions to drive, dust storms are the cause of more accidents and chain collisions than you’d think. Driving in such adverse weather is dangerous even for the most seasoned drivers. So, if you think that doing a Safer Drivers Course from a good driving school makes you capable of driving through a dust storm, you’ve got another thing coming! Also called Haboobs, dust storms are strong winds sweeping dust, sand, and debris high into the air. Heavy winds blow dust, sand, and debris to great heights, causing a lot of problems for those caught in the storm. It is advisable to avoid driving in a dust storm but what if you’re caught in it? What should you do to stay safe? Let us explore why dust storms are considered dangerous to drive and how to stay safe if you’re caught in one.

Why Are Dust Storms Dangerous?

While exploring the Australian wilderness in your 4WD can be considered an adventure, trying to drive through a dust storm is nothing but plain stupidity. Here’s why dust storms are dangerous for drivers on the road:

Reduce Visibility

Dust storms reduce visibility and create serious risks to the health and safety of the drivers. With dirt and debris flying all around, it can become difficult to spot even the vehicle ahead of you. This low visibility can make drivers lose their sense of judgment and end up colliding with other vehicles or going off-road and crashing.

Decrease Traction

Dust on the road reduces the ability of a wheel or tire to hold the ground without sliding or spinning. Due to this lack of traction, drivers may lose control of their vehicles. This increases the chances of the vehicle not stopping at the right time and hence crashing into others.

Increase the Risk of Chain Collisions and Pile-Ups

Driving in a dust storm greatly increases the risk of chain collisions and big pile-ups. Drivers may not be able to see the vehicle ahead of them and end up crashing into each other causing a chain of accidents. Reduced traction may also prevent the drivers from stopping at the right time and lead to accidents. Pile-ups are also a big risk as drivers may remain unaware of a collision on the road ahead due to low visibility.

Panic Unprepared Drivers

Dust storms in Australia often arrive suddenly without warning. Heavy storms can block visibility in the front and rear of the vehicle, also making it hard to judge distances. If drivers are unprepared for such a hazard, they may panic and become disoriented. It can make them slam into obstacles that are not visible and increase the risk of accidents.

 If it is not urgent, you should always avoid driving in a dust storm. It is better to check the weather forecast before leaving and drive carefully on the road.

How to Stay Safe in Dust Storms

It is best to avoid driving in a dust storm. However, sometimes you may have to step out due to some emergency. You might also find yourself caught in a storm suddenly and unexpectedly. Here’s what you should do to stay safe:

Don't Overtake:

When you notice the storm, it’s normal to want to try and run away from it. But overtaking other vehicles in your mad dash to safety can actually cause you and others on the road much damage. Reduced visibility in dust storms can easily make you lose direction or hit someone. No matter how tempting, you must resist the urge to overtake other vehicles during a storm.

Safely Pull Over:

The heavier the storm, the more difficult it is to navigate. So, when you’re caught in an intense storm, slow down your speed and find a safe stop to pull over. Also, pull over slowly and gently to avoid losing control of the vehicle. Engage the parking brake to ensure your vehicle does not start moving again. Another thing to remember is to keep your headlights on, even when you’re stationary. This helps other drivers to see your vehicle and can avoid accidents and chain collisions.

Stay Inside the Vehicle:

Dust can also damage the driver as well as the vehicle. Heavy dust storms with sand blowing everywhere can have dust getting into your lungs and many other issues. The vehicle can also get sand stuck in its filters and radiators, chip the paint, and damage the windshield. You should stay inside and fasten your seatbelts to avoid getting hurt if there’s a collision with your vehicle.

Recirculate Your A/C:

Dust and sand can cause harm to the body too. So, it is best to stay inside the car and switch your AC to recirculate mode. This will keep the dust and sand outside and also keep you cool and calm inside the vehicle.

Patience is Key

When driving in a dust storm, patience is the key to safety. If you find yourself stranded in a dust storm, pull over as soon as possible. You should wait for the storm to pass and visibility to improve before continuing your journey. Your safety, and that of others on the road, depends on your behavior in such circumstances. Driving is more than just learning to control a vehicle. It is also about staying alert and making smart decisions in challenging conditions. A good driving school, like Onroad Driving Education, can help you develop important qualities like patience, alertness, quick reflexes, and hazard perception to help deal with situations like sudden dust storms. Staying safe and acting wisely on the road is important to ensure safer roads and better driving culture!

Source Link