EUGENE HERBERT
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]epending on the severity of a dust storm, an entire stretch of road can have severely reduced visibility and often bumper bashings and even more serious crashes result.
This is what the managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert says about coping with this weather condition:
Handle a dust storm in the same way that you would deal with thick fog.- Do not stop driving as those behind you are highly unlikely to see that have you stopped.
- Slow down considerably to give yourself time to see cars which have slowed or stopped in front of you.
- If you feel you are unable to continue safely, pull well off the road only when safe to do so.
- If you do stop, switch off your lights and do not use emergency lights to avoid confusing other drivers still on the road.
- Use the white lines as a guide.
- Ensure your windows are always clean on the inside and out as dirty windows reduce visibility.
- Do not put your lights on bright, it can reflect and make it even more difficult to see.
- Rather use your regular headlights.
- Avoid using your emergency lights unnecessarily as they are often more distracting to other drivers.
- Keep a larger following distance between yourself and the car in front.
- Avoid sudden lane changes or erratic driving.
- Avoid aggressive driving. Remain patient and calm.
- Keep an extra eye out for drivers that may not have any lights on.
- Signal early and start braking well before time.
- Avoid any form of distracted driving
Ultimately, remain calm and drive defensively. Think for yourself and for the other drivers on the road as well.
Eugene Herbert is the Managing Director, MasterDrive,
