Was the deadly I-10 crash near Tonapah caused by blowing dust? Low visibility driving tips
Dust storm-related traffic accidents cause 14 to 32 deaths annually in the U.S., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research showed.
If confirmed as dust-related, the Interstate 10 collision on Saturday near Tonopah, which killed four, would account for a significant share of annual fatalities. Two people were in critical condition receiving life-saving treatment, as of Sunday afternoon.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is investigating the collision, which involved multiple vehicles. Investigators are looking into whether blowing dust was a significant factor, DPS confirmed on Sunday morning.
"Troopers are investigating whether blowing dust was a significant factor in the collisions by potentially causing reduced visibility," Warren Trent with the department said.
He urged anyone driving in conditions where visibility was limited to slow down at the very least as it takes longer for a vehicle to come to a complete stop the faster it goes.
"Dust storms can panic unprepared drivers, blocking all visibility behind and in front of a car, and cause people to become disoriented or slam into unseen obstacles," the NOAA said following a 2023 research report by its Air Resources Laboratory.
The report found that dust events, previously assumed to be rather rare and isolated to particular regions, are contributing to a larger number of U.S. traffic fatalities than are recorded.
In its "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" public service announcement from June 2018, the Arizona Department of Transportation suggests drivers should take the following precautions when confronted by a dust storm:
Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.
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 emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
Turn off all vehicle lights. You do not want other vehicles, approaching from behind, to use your lights as a guide and possibly crash 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.
More: Wind, dust and wildfire warnings: What to know about Arizona weather
The Arizona Republic's Perry Vandell contributed to this story.
Connect with the reporter at olakunle.falayi@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Low visibility may be a factor in fatal I-10 crash: What research says
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