Weather Safety Tips

Arizona is known for its diverse, beautiful landscapes and weather. For this reason, Arizona is a known travel destination year-round. Arizona summers see a particularly high volume of people traveling to different parts of the state to enjoy the beautiful weather. There are several tips and resources to help ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable. Many of the highway incidents across the state can be avoided if drivers will take the proper steps prior to and during their travel.

Have all of your car’s electronic, electrical and mechanical systems inspected and/or serviced. Existing defects are going to be put through increased stress during long-distance travel, extreme heat and inclement weather.

Here are some things we recommend doing before you travel:

INSPECT VEHICLE AND TIRES

• Check your tires. Your tires should be properly inflated and not worn out. A simple inspection can bring a tire issue to your attention before travel. If you aren’t sure what to look for, most tire shops offer free inspections.
• Did you know your tires have an expiration date? Most vehicle manufacturers recommend tire replacement after six years. Each new tire has a Tire Identification Number (TIN). Learn more about how to read your tires TIN.
• A study conducted by the National Traffic Safety Highway Administration (NHTSA) estimates that about nine percent of the estimated total crashes, were “tire related.”
• Did you know you can increase your gas mileage by keeping your tires properly inflated? U.S. Department of Energy says you can improve your gas mileage up to 3.3% by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure.
• If you sustain tire failure, continue to look in the direction you want to travel and smoothly steer in that direction until you regain control of your vehicle.
• Do not steer, brake or decelerate abruptly. 

Inspect FLUIDS AND EQUIPMENT

• Leaky hoses
• Coolant levels
• Engine oil
• Transmission fluid
• Battery (extreme heat is tough on batteries)
• Windshield washer fluid
• Wipers
• Air conditioner
• Fuel gauge
• Tires

PLAN PROPERLY BEFORE TRAVELING

• Check weather conditions
• Check for road closures or traffic delays: az511.com or dial 5-1-1
• Select an appropriate route with weather, traffic and terrain in mind
• Always top off your gas tank in case of unanticipated weather or traffic related road closures
• Let someone know where you are going and when you will return
• Many new Smart Phone Apps also display traffic conditions (have passengers in your vehicle monitor this)
• Don’t rely solely on GPS or navigation applications, they can lead you to dangerous or non-existent roadways

CRITICAL SUPPLIES IN YOUR VEHICLE

Failure to carry these items could lead to critical health consequenses.  

• One gallon of water per occupant per day
• Food and baby formula sufficient for at least 24-hours
• Prescription medication for at least 24-hours
• Toiletries / diapers
• Mobile phone and an extra fully charged power supply
• Hot/Cold and wet weather gear
• Make sure someone else knows your route of travel

WHAT TO DO IF YOU BREAK DOWN ON A HIGHWAY

• Call 911 and let us law enforcement know where you are stranded
• Call 911 if someone is stopped/stranded on the highway and tell DPS where they are
• Drive completely off of the highway when possible
• Drive to an emergency lane or dirt shoulder when possible
• Do not leave your vehicle on the highway – Call 911 to report
• Do not walk along the highway – Call 911 to report
• Do not stop in the middle of a gore point or gore area
• Do not stop within a traffic lane
• Click here for more information on roadside assistance

Make sure you and your passengers are all properly restrained. 

During summer months, temperatures in the Arizona desert can reach or exceed 100 degrees every day. Sunset does not bring immediate relief as temperatures will hover around 100 degrees well into nighttime hours. During early summer, the climate is very dry. From early July to early September, temperatures remain hot and humidity increases, inviting dust storms and monsoons. You, your passengers and your vehicle need to be ready for the unique challenges of driving in these extreme conditions.

Before You Travel

• Plan your travel route in advance.
• Notify someone of your route, destination and projected arrival time.
• Fill your fuel tank and try to keep it at three-quarters full. Running out of gas — especially in a remote location — is extremely dangerous in extreme heat.
• Visit az511.gov or dial 511 for updated road and weather conditions. However, never use a cell phone or mobile device while driving.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. Having a vehicle breakdown in extreme heat can be very dangerous, especially if you try to repair your vehicle yourself (which causes exertion) or if you must wait for help to arrive.

• Heat can zap your battery. Make sure your battery is up to par and has enough fluid. Consider having it tested, especially if it's three or more years old. Replace it if necessary.
• Check coolant levels and top them off if needed. If coolant needs to be flushed and replaced, do so before your trip begins. Note: Never remove the radiator cap while your engine is hot!
• Top off vital engine fluids such as motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and power-steering fluid.
• The combination of underinflated tires and hot pavement can lead to a blowout. Check your tire pressure. It should be at the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Make sure your vehicle's air conditioning system is functioning properly. 

"Must-Haves" for Every Vehicle

Never drive in extreme heat without a fully-charged cell phone and extra drinking water for all passengers, including pets. Other must-haves include these items:

• A cooler to keep extra drinking water cold (Consider adding several frozen bottles of water to use for cooling off or to thaw and drink if needed.)
• An umbrella for shade
• Sunscreen
• A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothing to provide protection from sunburn
• Necessary prescribed medication(s) and pain relievers
• A first-aid kit
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• A travel tool kit and battery cables
• Safety flares
• Extra radiator water
• Healthy snacks
• A road map

Crashes or Other Situations Requiring Emergency Assistance

• Dial 911.
• If possible, move the vehicle out the travel lanes into a safe area.
• Try to find shade for everyone; stay out of direct sunlight.
• Attend to all medical needs in a safe, shaded place if possible; also, find a safe place to call for roadside assistance.
• If your vehicle becomes nonoperational, raising the front hood and activating its flashing "hazard lights" signal to other drivers and emergency responders that it is disabled.

Stalled or Stopped Vehicles

• Call for assistance right away to reduce your wait time.
• Keep your vehicle in a shaded area if possible and run the air conditioner (A/C). If the A/C is not working, roll down all the windows.
• DRINK WATER. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays hydrated.
• Without air conditioning, the temperature inside a stopped vehicle can rise to a dangerous (even deadly) level rather quickly. If temperatures inside the vehicle become too hot, carefully exit all passengers, including pets. Seek out or create a shaded area as far away from the travel lanes as possible.
• Raise the front hood of the vehicle and turn on flashing "hazard lights."

Exiting Your Vehicle

• Use caution! The road surface will be hot and can burn skin. Keep shoes on; carry pets or otherwise keep their paws off the hot asphalt.
• DRINK WATER. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays hydrated.
• Be alert to the hazards of moving traffic.
• Do not stand in travel lanes. Many Arizona roadways have wide shoulders, so use the extra space to create a safe distance between moving traffic and you, your passengers and your vehicle.
• Find or create shade for all passengers, including pets. Keep everyone out of direct sunlight. If pets are in carriers, keep them in the shade and be sure carriers have ample ventilation.
• Protect passengers from sunburn; apply sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and put on loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothing.

Monsoon season begins mid-June and ends September 30th, bringing with it some beautiful, but often unpredictable potentially dangerous weather conditions. From heavy rain causing slick roads and low visibility to large dust storms causing near blackout conditions on the highways – monsoon driving can be extremely dangerous. Monsoon storms can come and go quickly so it is best to check the weather along your travel route prior to hitting the road. Wait out the storm, remember they often pass by very quickly, so you can get back on the road safely in little time. Your safety is worth it.

Here are some suggestions for driving on wet roads or during a dust storm. For general travel safety advice and tips please visit the “Tips” tab. 

• WEAR YOUR SEATBELT!
• Immediately check traffic around your vehicle, (front, back, sides) and begin slowing down.
• Completely exit the highway if you can. Do not wait until poor visibility to pull off the roadway.
• DO NOT STOP in a travel lane or emergency lane. Pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
• Turn off all vehicle lights. You don’t want others to follow you by using your lights as a guide.
• Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake
• Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelts buckled.
• Be patient, wait for the storm to pass.
• Visit Pull Aside-Stay Alive

Make sure you and your passengers are all properly restrained.

Rain doesn't happen very often in Arizona, but it is important to always be prepared for wet weather conditions.  

• Wear your seatbelt!
• Don’t fool yourself with your wet weather skills.
• Make sure your tires have plenty of tread. If you are not sure, take your car to a tire shop.
• Double your following and stopping distance.
• Drive below the speed limit – slow down and be patient.
• If you feel your vehicle hydroplaning through feedback from your steering wheel, that means you are traveling too fast.
• Use headlights and tail lights.
• The roadway will be slippery; during rainfall the oils from the road rise to the surface.
• Have wet weather gear in your car.
• DO NOT drive around road closed signs. If you do and require rescue, you can be cited for Arizona’s “Stupid Motorist Law”. The driver is responsible for the cost of resuce.