KDOT, KHP launch ‘Pull Off, Lights Out’ dust-storm driving safety campaign

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Traveling along a Kansas highway during a dust storm can be hazardous– and even deadly.

One such storm this past March 14, when eight people lost their lives in a 71-vehicle pileup that occurred during a dust-storm on Interstate 70 about nine miles east of Goodland in western Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Transportation and Kansas Highway Patrol on Wednesday announced they are launching a new “Pull Off, Lights Out” campaign that shares safety guidance for western Kansas drivers traveling through areas with blowing dust and high winds.

A public service announcement highlighting dangers in dust storms was created as part of the safety campaign.

KDOT and KHP are encouraging media outlets, traffic safety partners and the public to share the PSA, which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/DoDWPzY_kRM.

The Kansas Department of Transportation notes that dust storms often occur from December to April.

The region’s flat plains, open agricultural fields, ongoing drought conditions and strong wind patterns create an environment where hazardous dust storms can develop rapidly.

“In Kansas, a windy day can turn dangerous fast,” says KHP Technical Trooper Tod Hileman. “Knowing how to react properly can save lives.”

Drivers are urged to prioritize safety over speed when encountering high winds or sudden reduced visibility.

The high winds can create sudden gusts and cause larger vehicles -- including large trucks, recreational vehicles and trailers -- to sway or lose control.

Blowing dust adds another layer of danger, with visibility capable of dropping to zero within seconds. These sudden “brownout” conditions increase the likelihood of multi-vehicle crashes.

“It’s important to remember what to do in these situations, because these steps may be the difference between safety and disaster,” said KDOT Director of Safety Troy Whitworth. “We want the traveling public to be knowledgeable, so they can respond when visibility is low.”

The “Pull Off, Lights Out” campaign outlines several critical safety steps for motorists involving dust storms, which include:

• Avoid driving into or through a dust storm, if possible.
• Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway -- do it as soon as possible.
• Turn on low beam headlights if you must drive through dust.
• Never stop in a travel lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the roadway and away from other vehicles.
• Turn off all vehicle lights, including headlights and emergency flashers, while parked.
• Set the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake pedal.
• Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the visibility to clear.

Motorists are encouraged to monitor local weather alerts and be aware of rapidly changing conditions throughout the region.

For current road conditions and traffic information before you leave, visit Kandrive.gov or call 511.