Few California motorists would set out on the roads during a major storm event such as a hurricane. However, they may not think twice about getting behind the wheel during high winds on a dry day. When winds reach 30 to 40 miles per hour (particularly during a drought), the resulting dust storms can be just as blinding as major snow storms in colder climates. When drivers get caught in a dust storm, they have to know what to do for maximum safety.

A Recent Major Crash Illustrates the Dangers of Dust

People who live and work in Los Angeles are already aware of the health dangers of dust. Even though conditions in the city have improved in recent years, the four-year drought continues to expose residents to health-damaging particulate matter. Just as important, dust reduces visibility on the roads. This danger became all too apparent in November 2015, when wind caused a 20-vehicle crash in the southern San Joaquin Valley.

In this particular case, the wind kicked up in an agricultural community where some fields had been recently plowed, making prime conditions for high winds to pick up dust. Luckily, while pictures from the scene showed massive vehicle damage, resulting injuries were mostly minor, with only one critical injury.

Drivers Might Have Reduced Damages With Proper Driving Techniques

Just one major gust of wind can suddenly change driving conditions from miles of visibility to only inches, so drivers need to react swiftly to stay safe on the roads. Of course, the best approach is to monitor weather reports and stay away from high-risk areas when elevated wind levels are expected. However, the following tips can help drivers who cannot avoid such situations:

• When possible, pull off the road: If a dust cloud is visible in the vicinity, pull off the road as far as possible to avoid exposure to oncoming traffic. Do not turn on lights, and stay off the brake pedal because other drivers might interpret the vehicle as being on the road.
• Reduce speed: If staying on the road is the only option, reduce speed enough to help increase visibility as much as possible. In this case, turn the lights on to help other motorists see the vehicle. Occasionally blowing the horn might also make a vehicle more noticeable.
• Use the center line on the road for guidance: Of course, drivers have to keep watching for traffic ahead, but the painted center line can help them stay on their own side of the road, avoiding succumbing to a head-on collision.

Of course, even drivers who must initially remain on the road should try to find the first place where they can pull off the road and wait for conditions to improve.

Even if every driver managed to follow all possible safety tips, major dust storms are still likely to lead to collisions. Unfortunately, the reduced visibility also adds challenges when attempting to determine precisely what happened and who was at fault.

Those involved in automobile accidents should avoid dealing directly with an insurance claim. Victims of accidents caused by wind storms should strongly consider seeking advice from an attorney equipped to handle potentially complex investigations. Call The Rudman Law Firm APC at (844) 478-3626 / (844) 4RUDMAN, at our Los Angeles office at (213) 375-3777 or at our Studio City office (818) 769-6969 for a free no-risk consultation.