A haboob is a very intense dust storm. In Arizona, haboobs commonly occur during monsoon season or other extreme weather events like thunderstorms or high winds. Haboobs can cause major visibility problems when driving, and can make it hard to see pedestrians, vehicles, or other hazards in the road. Driving in a haboob is particularly dangerous when you’re driving at high speeds or on the freeway. At Barnett’s Towing, we are a local towing company offering 24-hour emergency towing services throughout Arizona, and can help you safely retrieve your vehicle if it has been disabled by an accident or weather damage. Here are our safety tips for driving in haboobs in Arizona.
Stay Up to Date on Weather Forecasts
If you are planning a road trip, will be driving for a long period of time, or will be driving on the freeway, you must stay up to date on weather forecasts in the area. Keep your radio turned to a station that provides weather updates, or enable weather alerts on your phone. If you get warning alerts about high winds, dust storms, or haboobs, pull off the road safely or stop at a rest stop, store, or restaurant to wait out the storm.
Reduce Your Speed
If you see signs of a dust storm or haboob in the distance or if you get a dust warning or visibility warning, reduce your speed. This is especially important if you are driving on a freeway or highway, in a rural area, or on a dirt or unpaved road.
Pull Over
If it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road, and turn all lights off (you do not want other vehicles to use your car as a guide). If you are on the freeway, exit immediately and stop at a rest stop, gas station, store, or restaurant. If your car is on the shoulder of the road, try to get as far away from the road as possible.
Engage Your Emergency Brake
Turn on your emergency brake to secure your vehicle and protect it from drifting during high winds.
Stay in Your Vehicle
Do not attempt to drive or exit your vehicle during a haboob. You could put yourself or others in danger, or suffer from injuries caused by blowing dust and projectiles. You should patiently wait out the storm inside your car. If you do need to leave your vehicle due to an emergency, try to find shelter under a nearby tree, bush, or building. Stay far from the road to avoid being hit by another vehicle or causing an accident.
If you need our local towing company in Southern Arizona because you have been in an accident or have a disabled vehicle, our team at Barnett’s Towing can help. We offer safe towing service throughout Arizona, including heavy duty towing and 24-hour emergency towing services. Call us today at (800) 722-2302 or contact us online to get a tow truck in Arizona.