There are many weather-related driving hazards that people keep in mind, from ice and snow for those who drive in northern locales to heavy rainfall and dense fog. However, there are other environmental factors that can play a role in a motor vehicle collision, such as dusty roads. Dust can be present on any road, but there are certain areas (such as dirt roads in rural areas) where dust is especially problematic. There are a variety of reasons why dusty roads can be dangerous and, as a driver, it is essential for you to be cautious if you ever find yourself driving when a considerable amount of dust is kicked up.
For starters, dusty roads can interfere with a driver’s ability to see other vehicles on the road and other hazards, such as wildlife. Aside from interfering with visibility, when a lot of dust is kicked up on the road a driver may become distracted if the dust enters their vehicle and causes them to cough or take their attention off the road in order to address the problem. Furthermore, a driver may speed because they believe that driving through a dusty area faster will reduce the amount of dust that enters their vehicle.
In comparison to drunk driving and other common hazards, dusty roads may not seem as concerning. However, drivers should be aware of the many different types of risks they face behind the wheel. The ramifications of a car crash can be devastating and our accident section offers additional traffic collision information.