ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona launches safety campaign for drivers during monsoon season

Jun 12, 2018, 4:43 AM

YouTube video

PHOENIX — A new safety campaign will remind Arizona drivers stuck in dust storms to pull over, turn off all car lights and wait until visibility is back before hitting the road again.

The “pull aside, stay alive” campaign aims to keep drivers off the road during the dust storms that the monsoon season brings.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is airing 30-second public service announcements in both English and Spanish throughout the monsoon season, which begins June 15.

Monsoons can cause sudden downpours and thick dust storms that can reduce or eliminate visibility.

Gov. Doug Ducey said in a statement Monday to “take a break from driving” if drivers encounter a dust storm.

“Make the safe and smart decision to delay your travel plans and wait for the storm to pass,” he added.

The Arizona Department of Transportation said it was important to turn off headlights and brake lights when pulled over during a storm.

Taking those actions allows drivers to wait out the storm in a less dangerous place while confusing other drivers who may believe your car is moving.

Sgt. Vince Lewis, a spokesman with the Phoenix Police Department, told KTAR News 92.3 FM that drivers should not take any chances if they encounter water on the roadway as well.

“Know your area well enough to find alternate routes around that,” Lewis said. “Never try to cross a flooded wash.”

And if you do try to cross a flooded area and have to get rescued because your car gets stuck, you could end up paying the price — literally: Arizona’s Stupid Motorist Law allows the state to charge drivers if they become stranded after driving around barricades to enter a flooded part of the road.

KTAR News 92.3’s Kathy Cline and The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Jeff Flake greets Vice President Kamala Harris at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Oct. ...

Kevin Stone

Why a prominent Arizona Republican thinks fellow conservatives should vote for Kamala Harris

Arizona Republican Jeff Flake wants fellow conservatives to know there are plenty of good reasons choose Kamala Harris over Donald Trump.

2 hours ago

...

KTAR Video

Video: How close are the polls in swing states on the eve of the 2024 election?

On the eve of the 2024 general election, Mike Broomhead takes a closer look at just how close the polls show the race to the White House between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

3 hours ago

Emergency voting in Maricopa County runs until 5 p.m. on Nov. 4, 2024....

Kevin Stone

Here’s what you need to know about emergency voting in Maricopa County

Arizona’s official early voting period ended Friday, but Maricopa County voters who can't make it to the polls on Tuesday can take advantage of emergency voting on Monday.

4 hours ago

Election Day Arizona counties...

Kevin Stone

DOJ to monitor polls in 4 Arizona counties, including Maricopa, on Election Day

The U.S. Department of Justice will monitor the polls in four Arizona counties for compliance with federal voting rights laws on Election Day.

5 hours ago

...

KTAR Video

Video: Don’t let the voting process stress you out

As we inch closer to electing a new commander-in-chief, Jim Sharpe knows the stresses that can come along with being a part of the voting process, and he doesn’t want you to be affected because of it.

5 hours ago

...

KTAR Video

Video: Don’t let the voting process stress you out

As we inch closer to electing a new commander-in-chief, Jim Sharpe knows the stresses that can come along with being a part of the voting process, and he doesn’t want you to be affected because of it.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Act Now: Secure Your HVAC Equipment Before Prices Rise in 2025!

Phoenix, AZ – As the year draws to a close, Collins Comfort Masters is urging homeowners and businesses to take advantage of current pricing on HVAC equipment.

...

Dr. Shanyn Lancaster, Family & Sports Medicine physician, Midwestern University Comprehensive Care Clinic – Central Phoenix

Exercise is truly your best medicine

“You never slow down, you never grow old”. – Tom Petty

Arizona launches safety campaign for drivers during monsoon season