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The Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Highway Patrol are starting a new safety campaign to help western Kansas drivers stay safe during blowing dust and high winds. The campaign includes a public service announcement that warns about the dangers of dust storms and encourages safe driving. Dust storms are most common from December through April, especially in western Kansas. Flat land, open farm fields, drought, and strong winds can cause dust storms to form quickly.
High winds can make driving dangerous, especially for large vehicles like trucks, RVs, and vehicles pulling trailers. Sudden gusts can cause vehicles to sway or lose control. Blowing dust makes conditions even worse, as visibility can drop to zero in seconds, leading to serious multi-vehicle crashes.
“In Kansas, a windy day can turn dangerous fast. Knowing how to react properly can save lives,” said Technical Trooper Tod Hileman.
Drivers are urged to slow down and put safety first. KDOT offers these tips:
- Avoid driving into or through a dust storm, if possible.
- Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway — do it as soon as possible.
- Turn on low beam headlights if you must drive through dust.
- Never stop in a travel lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the roadway and away from other vehicles.
- Turn off all vehicle lights, including headlights and emergency flashers, while parked.
- Set the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake pedal.
- Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the visibility to clear.
Drivers should also watch weather alerts and check road conditions at Kandrive.gov or by calling 511.
