How do dust storms increase the chance of a car crash? Dust storms are dangerous because they create adverse weather conditions that obscure signs and markings and produce extreme winds. Climate change has also contributed to the increasing severity of dust storms in the region, with rising temperatures and less rainfall exacerbating the problem. This can lead to more car accidents as drivers cannot see what is on the road. Here is how dust storms increase the chance of car crashes.
What Are Dust Storms?
Dust storms are large, widespread events of wind-driven dust and sand that can have severe effects on the environment. Dust storms begin when strong winds pick up dust particles, which then mix with water vapor and freeze into ice as they rise into the atmosphere. They often occur in arid areas, especially during the summer.
Dust storms can lead to acute rises in particulate matter (PM10), significantly impacting air quality. During a dust storm, visibility is significantly reduced and conditions become hazardous. Intense rainfall during dust storms can also lead to flash flooding, creating dangerous driving conditions. They can cause power outages, damage to homes and buildings, and even threaten human life. Property, cars, and people could be struck by flying debris such as wood or metal sheets that are carried along by the wind.
Dust storms can also cause car accidents because these storms obscure signs and markings on the road. If a driver could not see what is on the road because of the storm, there is a higher chance for them to get into an accident with someone else or hit something like a tree or signpost.
How Do Dust Storms Increase the Chance of Car Crashes?
Dust storms are dangerous because they cause decreased visibility and low visibility. This can significantly increase accident risk as drivers cannot see what is on the road in front of them.
This is especially true for road safety during adverse weather conditions, where making smart decisions is crucial. Weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow can further impact driving safety by reducing visibility, making it harder to see the car in front of you.
Even if you are driving carefully, there is a chance that other drivers on the road are not taking the dust storm seriously. They might be driving unsafely, either too fast for the road conditions or driving with distractions. Sometimes, car accidents are unavoidable due to the negligence of other parties involved.
How to Minimize the Risk of a Car Accident during Adverse Weather
The best way to minimize the risk of a car accident during a dust storm is to keep your eyes open and stay focused. Use the emergency brake when pulling over safely during a dust storm. Stay in your lane and proceed at a speed suitable for visibility, paying close attention to the road so you can avoid hazards and debris. Another good tip is to reduce your speed.
If you have the time and see an opportunity, it is highly recommended to stop driving and wait for the dust storm to clear. Sometimes driving during a dust storm is necessary, but it is best to not risk it and avoid going out if you can.
Contact a New Mexico Car Accident Attorney
In the event that you or a loved one are involved in a car accident during a dust storm, it is important you report the accident to the appropriate authorities and seek medical attention. After taking these steps, you can schedule a consultation with a New Mexico car accident attorney to go over your case with you.
In some dust storm-related car accidents, there are not any other parties to hold accountable for damages. However, in other situations, the other driver can be held responsible for their actions in the crash. Also, if other conditions, such as poor road conditions, contributed to the crash, the municipality can be held accountable.
The only way to know if you have a case is to discuss the specifics of what happened with a car accident lawyer. They can give you advice on the next steps. Contact by calling (505) 850-5854 or using the contact form to schedule a free consultation. We also speak Spanish.