Dust Storms
Dust Storm Driving Safety: Visibility, Highways, Haboobs, and Pull-Aside Rules
How dust storms reduce visibility, why highway pileups happen, and what drivers should do when blowing dust hits.
Quick answer: Dust storms can drop visibility to near zero and create multi-vehicle crash risk when drivers brake suddenly in traffic lanes.
Why dust rises
Strong thunderstorm outflow, dry soil, agricultural fields, and desert surfaces can produce walls of dust.
The leading edge can arrive abruptly.
Driving rule
If visibility collapses, pull completely off the roadway when safe, turn lights off after stopping, set the parking brake, and keep your foot off the brake.
Lights left on can make other drivers follow you off the road.
Before travel
Check high wind and blowing dust alerts in dry regions.
Delay travel when dust storm warnings affect your route.