What you need to know as dust storm season starts

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - It's been two years since a dust storm caused a massive accident on I-55 near the Sangamon and Montgomery county lines. That crash involved 72 vehicles, killed 7 people, and injured 37 others.

Law enforcement says spring is when dust storms tend to happen. With high winds and dry conditions, as well as farmers kicking up extra dirt, it's common to see these types of storms pop up in rural areas.

"Right now we have our farmers planting and they're stirring up that dust," said Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch. "They're loosening that ground when they're planting, and as much as that's necessary, those are just times that we have to be aware as drivers to going through those areas."

Crouch says if you see dust ahead of you, stop and turn around. She also recommends you call your local law enforcement agency so they can determine if the roads need to be closed.

Sergeant Scott Flannery with the Macon County Sheriff's Office says it's important to stay aware of your surroundings. If you get caught in a dusty situation he says to pull completely off the road.

"Reaction times will be low due to visibility, so you should get out of the way," said Flannery. "Turn your headlights off when you're off the road so it doesn't reflect off the dust."

Sgt. Flannery said East/West roads are often the most susceptible to dust storm conditions because of North/South winds. When roads have fields on either side, it can also led to a higher concern for drivers.

Illinois State Police provided this information:

If dense dust is observed blowing across or approaching a roadway, pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off the lights, set the emergency brake, take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the taillights are not illuminated. Other drivers tend to follow taillights when visibility is bad so if you are off the road, may sure your lights are off, including taking your foot off the brake.
Don't enter the dust storm area if you can avoid it.
If you can't pull off the roadway, proceed at a speed suitable for visibility, turn on lights and sound horn occasionally. Use the painted center line to help guide you. Look for a safe place to pull off the roadway.
Never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway.