ADOT, weather experts brainstorm dust storm safety

Arizona's summer storm season begins in just over three months. Before the monsoon arrives, local and state agencies are working on ways to keep you safe.

Tuesday, ADOT and the National Weather Service held their second annual "dust storm workshop."

They're coming up with ideas to help protect lives and property by detecting dust storms and getting the word out quickly, especially to drivers, because conditions can be dangerous and unpredictable.

"First number one rule is not to drive in a dust storm at all, but if you do find yourself in a dust storm certainly then at that point pull aside off the side of the road as far as you safely can and turn off your lights especially. You want to become invisible to decrease your chances of hitting anyone or being hit from behind," says Ken Drozd, Meteorologist with the National Weather Service, Tucson.

Last year -- ADOT came up with its "pull aside, stay alive" campaign, informing drivers on what to do in a dust storm.

It also activated freeway message boards with warnings and also alerted people on its "511" web site and phone system.