How Dust Storms Cause Car Accidents
Car accidents are often caused by environmental and weather conditions. An example is a dust storm. You may not expect a dust storm to cause a car accident, but a recent dust storm in Texas led to 38 car accidents and three fatalities.
The crashes happened on March 14 in Amarillo and were caused by high winds and very low visibility. Motorists were advised to stay away from the area.
Indeed, dust storms can be dangerous. Wind is a common hazard for motorists and in dry regions, wind‐blown dust is an added risk. Rising temperatures and low levels of rainfall exacerbate the problem. The deadliest dust storm was in California in 1991. It resulted in near zero visibility and caused 33 collisions. There were 164 vehicles involved, with 151 injuries and 17 deaths.
Dust storms involve wind-driven dust and sand. They begin when strong winds pick up dust particles. They then mix with water vapor and freeze into ice. They often occur in arid areas during the summer.
During a dust storm, visibility is significantly reduced and being out on the roadway can be hazardous. Sometimes intense rainfall occurs during dust storms, and this can lead to flash flooding. Property, cars, and people could be struck by flying debris such as wood or metal carried along by the wind during a dust storm.
Dust storms tend to cause car accidents because the reduced visibility obscures signs and markings on the road. Drivers cannot see what is on the road, so there is a higher chance for them to get into an accident.
Here are some other dangers associated with dust storms that drivers need to be aware of:
- Strong winds. High winds associated with dust storms can push vehicles off the road, especially lightweight or high-profile vehicles like trucks and RVs.
- Reduced traction. Dust and sand can accumulate on the road, making surfaces slippery and reducing tire grip, especially when braking or making sudden maneuvers.
- Driver panic. When visibility drops, some drivers may suddenly stop in the roadway, leading to chain-reaction crashes. Others may speed up to escape the storm, increasing accident risks.
- Poor air quality. Thick dust can affect a driver’s ability to breathe properly and cause eye irritation, leading to impaired concentration and slower reaction times.
It’s important to stay safe during a dust storm. If you are driving on the road, be sure to keep your eyes open and stay focused. Stay in your lane and slow down, paying close attention to the road so you can avoid hazards and debris. If possible, stop driving and wait for the dust storm to clear.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Car accidents can happen in a number of ways. Even something like a dust storm can cause reduced visibility and make collisions likely to occur.
Injured in a crash? A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can assist you, whether this your first accident or your fifth. Let us guide you toward recovery. Call (281) 347-3247 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.
Source:
spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/austin/news/2025/03/14/dust-storm-causes-car-accidents-across-amarillo
