Arizona Dust Storm Safety: Pull Aside, Stay Alive to Avoid Car Accidents

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Arizona driving conditions can change quickly, especially when dust storms are in the forecast. Unfortunately, dust storms can occur with little warning and result in serious car accidents. Drivers need to use caution if they are caught in these sudden and blinding storms.

Tips for Avoiding Traffic Accidents in an Arizona Dust Storm

Dust storms can appear without much warning in Southern Arizona. Our Tucson car accident attorneys understand that they are very common along the dusty I-10 corridor that many people use when traveling between Tucson and Phoenix.

Each year, especially during monsoon season, there are several dust storm-related auto accidents along this stretch of Arizona interstate, some with fatal consequences. The possibility of blowing dust, high winds, and other conditions make driving during certain times of the year more dangerous. Wind gusts can reach 30 mph to 50 mph. Blowing dust can quickly result in limited or zero visibility for drivers.

Pull Aside, Stay Alive is a campaign by the Arizona Department of Transportation, in conjunction with several other agencies, to educate Arizona drivers on what to do in the event they encounter a dust storm. According to information provided by state and federal agencies, if you see a dust storm approaching, you should:

  • Immediately check the traffic around your vehicle.
  • Safely pull off the roadway as soon as possible. Waiting until visibility is poor can make it more difficult to locate a safe spot and pull over before you completely lose visibility. It is a good idea to note your location when you pull over in case you need to call for emergency assistance.
  • Do not stop in the emergency lane or a travel lane. You need to locate a safe spot to pull completely off the road to avoid being struck by another vehicle.
  • Turn off your vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. Other drivers might attempt to use your lights as a guide and collide with your vehicle while misjudging the distance.
  • Take your foot off both pedals and set your emergency parking brake.
  • Remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt securely fastened until the storm passes.
  • Never drive into a dust storm. You will lose all visibility.
  • If you have a high-profile vehicle, you should always be aware of changing weather conditions, especially high winds, and adjust your speed accordingly.

Arizona DOT has several informative videos online that provide additional information and safety tips for avoiding dust storm-related car accidents. Drivers can visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information website or call 511 to find out about road closures and travel hazards statewide.

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Dust Storm Accident?

Call 911 for emergency assistance. Let the operator know your location and whether you need emergency medical assistance.

If the accident occurred during a dust storm, another driver could be liable for your damages if that driver was negligent. For instance, if a driver did not pull over or was driving too fast for conditions, they could be liable for damages arising from an accident.

Contact a Tucson Car Accident Attorney for Help

As soon as possible, contact our office to discuss your case with an experienced car accident lawyer in Tucson. Call Hollingsworth Kelly today at (520) 882-8080 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

 

Distractions Put Teen Drivers at Risk for Car Accidents

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Receiving a driver’s license is a rite of passage many teenagers look forward to is. Having a driver’s license gives a teenager freedom and autonomy. But as exciting as this new-found independence can be, driving can quickly turn deadly for teenagers. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. More than 250,000 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 years were treated in emergency rooms in 2019 for injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. That same year, 2,400 teens in the same age bracket died in car crashes.

Are Teenagers Dangerous Drivers?

Teenagers are not inherently dangerous drivers. However, their inexperience behind the wheel, combined with a higher tendency for risk-taking, immaturity, and easily distracted nature means that teens are at a higher risk of being involved in a car crash. Teen drivers are four times as likely to be involved in an accident compared to adult drivers. Their risk of being in a fatal collision is highest during the first six months after obtaining their driver’s license.

What Can Parents Do To Protect Teen Drivers?

Teen drivers can be easily distracted by texting, talking on a cell phone, grooming and having other teenagers in their vehicle. Often teenagers are not fully aware of the risks involved in distracted driving, nor how just a few seconds of distraction can have deadly consequences.

Many states, including Arizona, have a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program that allows young drivers to gradually transition into gaining full driving privileges. Instead of permitting a teen driver to have full driving privileges as soon as they receive a driver’s license, a GDL program incorporates driving restrictions to help teenagers gain experience behind the wheel before allowing them to drive freely.

For example, Arizona prohibits teens with a GDL from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months unless certain conditions are met. A teen driver with a GDL may generally not drive with more than one passenger under the age of 18. Teens and parents are responsible for knowing and following all restrictions associated with a GDL.

Parents may also want to enroll their child in additional private driver training beyond what is required to obtain an Arizona driving permit or graduated driver’s license. There are online resources for parents and teenagers that can be very useful in educating teens about the dangers of distracted driving and how to develop good driving habits that can protect them and others on the road. One program is the National Safety Council’s DriveitHome, which provides resources parents can use to help educate and protect their teen drivers.

Parents may also want to invest in new technology that can help prevent teen distracted driving. Some insurance companies have apps that monitor driving behaviors such as speed, turning too aggressively, and hard braking. Parents can also invest in technology that turns cell phones off when a teenager is driving.

Call a Tucson Car Accident Attorney for Help

Many insurance companies may automatically blame a teen driver for an accident without thoroughly investigating the cause of the crash. If your teenager was involved in an accident caused by another motorist, you need trusted legal advice from an experienced Tucson car accident attorney. Don’t let your teen driver be blamed for a crash that was not their fault. Call the legal team at Hollingsworth Kelly at (520) 882-8080 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

Driving and Cell Phones Are a Deadly Combination

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Injuries and deaths due to distracted driving—primarily from the use of cell phones—are increasing. Driving and cell phones are a deadly combination.

A study of driving and cell phone use in 2017 found that almost 90 percent of drivers reported using their cell phones while operating a vehicle. The study also found that drivers spent more than three minutes per hour on their phones, a distraction that significantly increased their chances of having a car accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that distracted driving caused 391,000 injuries from motor vehicle accidents in 2015, and 3,450 deaths in 2016. Of these fatal crashes, 14 percent involved the use of a cell phone.

Cell phone use is often under-reported in accident statistics, however. NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System Encyclopedia tracks the causes of motor vehicle accidents. Their information relies on drivers or accident witnesses reporting cell phone use. According to a report from the National Safety Council, “Crashes Involving Cell Phones: Challenges of Collecting and Reporting Reliable Crash Data,” police may not report cell phone use if another violation contributed to the accident. For example, the police report may say that the driver failed to stay in the proper lane, but they may not report that it was due to cell phone use. It may be years before we know the true picture of how many injuries and deaths are caused by distracted drivers, particularly those involving cell phones.

Anything that takes a driver’s eyes or attention off the road is potentially an accident waiting to happen. As a result, many cities and states have passed laws to ban texting and driving.

Tucson ban on cellphones and driving

The Tucson City Council voted last year to regulate the use of cell phones and portable electronic devices while driving. The Council passed a hands-free ordinance making the use of handheld electronic devices while driving a primary offense, which means that police officers can pull over drivers they see or suspect are using a cellphone. The mere fact that a driver is holding a cell phone in his or her hand is an infraction.

A previous law stated that drivers could only be cited for cell phone use if the officer had pulled them over for another reason. A similar law has been in effect in Pima County since 2017.

The change is designed to prevent distractions from texting and using phones for other purposes, such as social media, while operating a vehicle. Under the new law, drivers are permitted to use a hands-free device. Drivers cannot use a device that is not hands-free while driving or while stopped on a street or highway (such as at a stop light or sign).

Ticketing for this offense started in late March. A first-time violator can be fined $50, although if there is an accident the fine will be a minimum of $250.

Arizona—only one of 3 states with no texting ban

Arizona is currently one of only three states that does not have a law that bans texting while driving. In 2016, AT&T analyzed data from a campaign called It Can Wait and found that texting bans are working—states with texting bans have far lower rates of texting while driving. This means fewer drivers in the 47 states that ban texting and driving are putting themselves or others at risk for accidental injury or death.

Last year the Arizona Senate considered a law to ban texting while driving. Although the bill that was put forward by committee was not passed, in July Governor Doug Ducey signed into law a bill that prohibits teenagers from texting while driving when they have a learner’s permit, and within the first six months of getting their driver’s license.

Reduce your risk from distracted driving

You can’t control what others do, but you can reduce your chances of injury from an accident by not using your cell phone at all when you’re driving. According to the National Safety Council, drivers having a phone conversation may miss up to 50 percent of what’s going on around them even when using a hands-free device. Texting is even more of a distraction. A driver’s eyes will be off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds while texting, which at 55 mph means the car can travel the length of a football field without the driver paying attention.

If you are walking or bicycling, it is just as important that you stay focused on your surroundings rather than your electronic device.

Remember also to use your seat belt to reduce your risk if you are involved in an accident.

Wrong-Way Crashes Cause Serious Injury and Death

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Each year an average of 360 people nationwide are killed in wrong-way crashes, according to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The report states that although collisions involving wrong-way drivers only account for about three percent of accidents, wrong-way crashes cause serious injury and death because these are usually head-on crashes.

Several decades of research shows that wrong-way crashes have higher rates of fatalities than other types of accidents. In addition, data from 2004 to 2009 showed that 60 percent of fatal wrong-way crashes likely involved impairment by alcohol.

In Arizona, the number of cases of drivers going the wrong way increased more than eight percent between 2016 and 2017, with over 1,700 reported wrong-way incidents in 2017. That year, wrong way drivers caused 54 accidents, with 18 fatalities.

Arizona Takes Action Against Wrong-Way Driving

The state has been taking measures to reduce wrong-way driving. In the fall of 2017, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) installed a thermal detection system in Phoenix.

The system uses cameras at exit ramps and along the interstate. When a camera spots a vehicle traveling the wrong way, it sends an alert to ADOT, which then sends messages to highway alert boards to warn drivers of the danger. If the system detects a wrong-way driver at an off-ramp, it activates a flashing red sign to alert the wrong-way driver.

In any case, the system also notifies law enforcement, who can then travel to the scene. As of mid-June, this technology had detected more than 12 wrong-way drivers.

The state has also installed hundreds of larger “Do Not Enter” and “Wrong Way” signs throughout Arizona.

As part of Arizona’s effort to address the wrong-way driving problem, Governor Doug Ducey signed a law last year that imposes tougher penalties for motorists caught driving the wrong way. Wrong-way drivers in Arizona who are found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will now face felony charges, including a possible four months to 2½ years in prison. Anyone stopped for wrong-way driving will be fined $500 and will be required to attend traffic school.

“Drive Aware Get There” Safety Campaign

ADOT’S Drive Aware Get There safety campaign was launched to reduce wrong-way driving and help motorists learn what can they can do to protect themselves from a wrong-way driver.

Because research shows most wrong-way drivers are impaired, driving defensively is key to preventing a tragic encounter. Motorists are advised to avoid distractions while driving and to focus on their surroundings, including what is far ahead on the road, giving them a chance to spot any erratic driving and take action before it becomes an issue.

ADOT advises that if you are on a two-lane road, stay away from the center line to accommodate oncoming cars that may be closer to the center line. If you see a vehicle coming towards you, get to the side of the road and call 911. If you are on a highway, try to stay in the right lane, as wrong-way drivers are more likely to be in the far left lane or in the carpool lane.

If you see that a wrong-way driver is coming towards you, ADOT recommends you slow by easing your foot off the gas and try to steer away from the wrong-way driver. Again, if you can, get off the road and call 911.

Of all vehicle accidents, head-on collisions have the greatest potential to cause serious injuries and fatalities. Although Arizona is taking steps to reduce the chances of wrong-way driving, you can do your part to keep yourself and others safe by being alert, wearing your seat belt, not driving while impaired, and avoiding distractions while driving.

Ignoring Auto Recalls May Put You at Risk for Car Accidents

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When a class of vehicles presents a safety hazard that increases the risk for car accidents and serious injury, the manufacturer may recall the vehicles to correct the unsafe issues. Automakers are required to fix defects by repairing or replacing the defective part, offering a refund, or very rarely by repurchasing the vehicle.

Since the beginning of the year, several automakers have issued recalls to fix or replace defects that could have serious safety risks for drivers and their passengers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides monthly reports of vehicles that have been recalled, along with the safety issues that need to be addressed. It’s important to know if your vehicle has been recalled—doing so can help you avoid an accident or serious injury.

How to Check if Your Car is Part of an Active Safety Recall

If you registered your vehicle when you bought it, the manufacturer will mail a notice to alert you it has been recalled. It’s important to keep your vehicle registration updated so you can receive these notifications.

You can sign up with NHTSA to receive e-mail notifications for a vehicle’s specific make and model. You can also check a car’s recall record by entering its VIN number at safercar.gov.

Follow the safety guidance and instructions from the manufacturer if you find that your vehicle has been recalled. In some cases, the defect may pose such a serious safety risk that you will be advised not to drive the vehicle. Do not drive warnings were issued earlier this year when Ford recalled certain 2006 Ford Ranger trucks and Mazda recalled 2006 B-series trucks due to the danger presented by Takata airbags. Although other automakers have also recalled vehicles to fix this airbag issue, Ford and Mazda requested that owners not drive these vehicles until they are repaired, fearing catastrophic injuries.

In another case, Fiat Chrysler recalled more than 4.8 million vehicles in the U.S. to fix an issue that could leave drivers unable to turn off cruise control. Affected vehicles were from the 2014 to 2019 model years and included Jeep (Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler), Dodge (Charger, Challenger, Journey, Durango), Chrysler (Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Chrysler Pacifica), and Ram (Ram pickups—1500, 2500 and 3500; Ram cab chassis trucks—500/4500/5500). Fiat Chrysler strongly advised drivers to avoid using cruise control until the repairs are made.

In addition to these recalls, this year Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Kia, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, and General Motors (among others), have also issued recalls to fix a variety of safety issues that could increase the risk of crash or injury. Examples of these recalls include a possible electrical short in the anti-lock brake module due to entry of water, which could lead to an engine fire with risk of injury (Hyundai); possible crack in the drive belt automatic tensioner flange, which could lead to engine stall and crash (Mitsubishi); inaccurate tire information label that could result in overloading and increasing crash risk (Toyota); improper tempering of window glass, which, if broken, could cause the glass to break into large pieces and cause injury (General Motors).

It will cost you nothing to get the work done on your vehicle if it has been recalled. You should call your local dealership as soon as possible if you find that your vehicle has been recalled. Neglecting to do so may put you, your passengers, or other drivers at risk of serious, catastrophic personal injury in the event of a car accident.

Do Self-driving Cars Really Mean Fewer Auto Accidents?

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Self-driving cars have been making their way onto streets and highways for a few years now, and the technology continues to improve. While they may hold the promise of fewer auto accidents due to human error, they aren’t yet error-free.

Several cases of injuries or deaths involving self-driving vehicles have been in the news, including the incident of a pedestrian killed in Tempe, Arizona in March 2018 by a self-driving Uber. This was the first known traffic fatality involving a pedestrian and a self-driving car. The car was in self-driving mode and had a human safety driver in place. A preliminary report on the accident showed that the car recognized the need to brake when the victim was spotted on the roadway. However, the emergency braking system had been disabled to allow the human safety operator in the vehicle to brake when necessary. Unfortunately, the human operator had been distracted watching a show on her mobile electronic device and did not see the pedestrian. According to the report, the system did not alert the human operator to the need to brake.

Following this fatal accident, Uber suspended testing of its self-driving vehicles in several states. Arizona governor Doug Ducey then suspended Uber from continuing to test its vehicles in Arizona. By the end of May, Uber announced that it would no longer test its self-driving vehicles in Arizona at all.

Arizona had been particularly keen to attract self-driving car companies to the state. Governor Ducey issued an executive order in 2015 promising little in the way of regulations for companies wanting to test their self-driving vehicles in the state. Dozens of companies flocked to Arizona to take advantage of the permissive and regulation-free atmosphere.

Several companies, including Uber, GM, Ford, Waymo, Tesla, and others are developing and testing self-driving cars. These companies vary widely in the level of development, including the number of miles they are able to drive without requiring human drivers to take control.

Some states, such as California, require manufacturers of self-driving cars to report incidents in which human drivers have to take control (also called an “intervention”). One site reported that in California, Waymo cars traveled approximately 5600 miles without human drivers taking control or intervening. General Motors reported one intervention approximately every 1250 miles. Unlike California, Arizona does not require manufacturers who are testing self-driving cars to report incidents in which human drivers take control. The New York Times, however, was able to determine that Uber was barely meeting its target in Arizona of just 13 miles per intervention as of March 2018.

As of March 2018, there were an estimated 600 driverless cars on the road in Arizona. Waymo was testing cars with an operator in the vehicle, but not behind the wheel, as of November 2017. Arizona still doesn’t require companies to report accidents involving self-driving vehicles, so it’s difficult to determine a total number for how many injury and non-fatal accidents have involved a self-driving vehicle in the state.

Are we allowing these vehicles on public roads before all the issues that could affect public safety have been worked out? As the recent unfortunate accident involving the pedestrian in Tempe shows, even cars with a human safety driver aren’t yet infallible. In addition, there are numerous other factors to consider, including insurance, reporting requirements, and liability issues. As the LA Times pointed out, self-driving cars are here, but are we, and our social and legal structures, ready for them?