Following a series of fatal accidents in Phoenix and the surrounding areas, the Arizona Department of Transportation has created a "Dust Task Force." The goal of the task force is to diminish the potential for car accidents caused by swirling dust and wind by minimizing the harmful conditions and increasing notification times to both drivers and transportation officials.

The task force was spurred by Arizona Board of Transportation member Steve Christy, a former Tucson car dealer. After joining the board three years ago, Christy asked ADOT officials if anything could be done to minimize the risk of dust storms following a fatal accident in Interstate 10. He was told no, and that dust storms were an "intractable problem." But following two more dust-storm deaths near Phoenix in the last year, he again began pushing for a solution.

In response, ADOT established the Dust Task Force. In its first few meetings, the group has been looking at ways to keep motorists safe during dust storms. Specifically, the task force is working to identify locations that are the most prone to crashes, improve the prediction of dust storms, and install dust monitors. They are also working with television news broadcasters to provide more broad warnings about blowing dust.

In addition, Christy is urging the task force to locate property from which the dust blows onto the freeways, and to identify and notify the owners of that property so they can take action.

The National Weather Service is also working with atmospheric scientists from the University of Arizona to create better dust storm forecasts. Hopefully these and the other efforts discussed will improve road conditions and prevent car accidents during Arizona's legendary dust storms.

Source: Arizona Daily Star, "State is urged to brainstorm interstate's dusty tempests," Tom Beal, Dec. 17, 2011