PHOENIX – The official Arizona monsoon begins this week, and the state Department of Transportation reminds drivers to prepare themselves for extreme weather, from heavy rains to dust storms. 

“Dust storms can quickly reduce visibility on the highways, making it dangerous for drivers. The best thing to do when encountering a dust storm is to not drive into the dust storm,” ADOT officials stated in a release.

Drivers who see a dust storm approaching should exit the highway they are on and if that’s not possible follow Pull Aside, Stay Alive safety tips: 

• Check traffic and start slowing down. 
• Pull off the paved portion of the road. Do not stop in travel lanes or on the shoulder. 
• Set the emergency brake, turn off all vehicle lights, including emergency flashers and take the foot off the brake.
• Keep seatbelts fastened and wait out the dust storm.