After my tour of duty in Iraq was over, we flew to Kuwait where we out processed and prepared to board that freedom bird to the states. Boarding that plane was one of the most anticipated things I've ever looked forward to. However, our flight was delayed by 2 days due to a dust storm. During that time, no U.S. vehicles were allowed to be on the road, much less a plane taking off. It was very discouraging as you can imagine and there was nothing we could do about it except wait.......
Dust storms happen in the U.S. too as evidenced by a recent crash in Arizona on October 29 where 3 people were killed and 12 injured on Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) said 19 vehicles - 10 commercial vehicles, seven passenger cars, one tanker and one recreational vehicle - were involved in chain-reaction collisions south of Casa Grande shortly after noon.
The Arizona Department of Transportation recommends that motorists who find themselves in a dust storm pull completely off the paved portion of the road, turn off all lights including emergency flashers, set the emergency brake, keep feet off the brakes so others don't try to follow the tail lights, and stay in the vehicle with seat belts fastened. I would get off of the shoulder as well if the situation allows it. Prevention is the best life saver, so use your CB to stay informed and don't go into the danger area until conditions improve. Get to an exit ramp, truck stop or rest area and wait it out.
One of the survivors of the crash was interviewed afterward and he credited the fact that he got out of his car and took refuge away from the road as saving his life. His car was annihilated in the chain of trucks that soon crashed into each other. Standing out in a dust storm is not a pleasurable experience, however it beats losing your life. You need to protect your eyes, ears and nose from the sand blasting and keep your mouth shut as well. Tying a bandanna around your face and using glasses (preferably goggles) will be your best bet. If I traveled this route regularly, I would definitely have these items in my truck and have a safety plan in place, always staying alert for dust storms.