By Jon Johnson
GRAHAM COUNTY – Poor visibility due to blowing dust was listed as a contributing factor to a four-vehicle collision that occurred between Bonita and Willcox on S. Brookerson Road at about 5:11 p.m. on Monday.
According to a Graham County Sheriff’s Office report, blowing dust influenced two vehicles traveling southbound on Brookerson Road to stop due to poor visibility. The first vehicle left the scene before law enforcement’s arrival, and no descriptions were available. The second vehicle was identified as a silver 2008 Toyota Yaris.
A third vehicle, identified as a blue Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, did not see the stopped vehicles and rear-ended the Yaris. A fourth vehicle, identified as a white 2013 Chevrolet Express passenger van with 10 passengers, then rear-ended the Tacoma, causing the Tacoma to strike the Yaris again and causing the Yaris to spin around to face north.
The Yaris was extensively damaged, and the driver advised of severe neck pain and was transported to a local hospital. The Tacoma was also extensively damaged, but the driver reported no injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet Express reported slight injuries, and five of his passengers were also slightly injured. No citations were issued.
Pull Aside, Stay Alive
ADOT has developed the following “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” dust storm safety driving tips to help motorists survive a blowing dust event.
- If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle and begin slowing down.
- Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to pull off the road safely- do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
- Do not stop in a travel lane or the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
- Turn off all vehicle lights. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide and possibly crash into your parked vehicle.
- Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
- Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
- Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.
- More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.org, and safety tips for driving in rainstorms can be found at azdot.gov/monsoon.
