Daily Archives: June 15, 2018

After you “Pull Aside, Stay Alive,” what comes next?

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PHOENIX – You know not to drive into the towering wall of dust. And if a dust channel whips across a highway and engulfs your vehicle, the mantra “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” can lead you to safety.

But even after you’ve pulled aside, one of the most important actions must still be taken – turn off your lights!

Turn off headlights, emergency flashers, dome lights and take your foot off the brake. Stay buckled up, set the parking brake, go dark and wait for the dust storm to pass.

Here’s why: If you become caught in a dust storm and have pulled off the highway, you’re in a dangerous spot – less dangerous than driving blind on the road, though – and want to hide. You can do that by turning off all vehicle lights. If you leave lights on, drivers behind you might believe you’ve found the way out and follow, crashing into your parked car because low-visibility affects depth perception.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has produced 30-second public service announcements – in English and Spanish – on this topic that will air statewide on television and radio throughout monsoon season as part of ADOT’s partnership with the Arizona Broadcasters Association. The PSAs can be viewed on ADOT’s YouTube channel.

As Monsoon Awareness Week begins and we near the official start of monsoon season, ADOT wants to remind drivers of the No. 1 dust-storm driving tip: Do not drive into a dust storm.

“Road trips are a great way to get out and experience all that Arizona has to offer,” Governor Doug Ducey said. “If there’s a dust storm in your path, it’s time to take a break from driving. Make the safe and smart decision to delay your travel plans and wait for the storm to pass.”

Towering, dense, blowing dust can drop visibility to zero. Just as dangerous are the small dust channels that whip across roadways in an instant, affording drivers little or no opportunity to avoid them. In such events, ADOT has developed the following “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” dust storm safety driving tips, which can help travelers survive a storm.

  • Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  • Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway – do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
  • Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your parked vehicle.
  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
  • Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.org and safety tips for driving in rainstorms can be found at azdot.gov/monsoon.

Board of Supervisors adopt tentative budget

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors tentatively adopted the County’s $182 million Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 budget during its public meeting June 5. During FY 19, the County is implementing a Strategic Investment Plan that includes funding for public safety, employee retention, behavioral health programs and criminal justice initiatives.

Some of the budget items include:

  • Adding four additional Deputy Sheriff positions to improve public safety and implementing the Law Enforcement Retention plan to lower costs associated with turnover.
  • A base market pay adjustment for all employees and a pilot housing program to improve retention and help employees with housing affordability issues.
  • County School Superintendent’s Office funding for professional development and training of teachers.
  • Investing resources to address behavioral health and substance abuse issues throughout the County to find efficiencies and reduce recidivism.
  • Hiring a Forest Restoration Director to work with community partners and industry to help prevent wildfire and subsequent post-wildfire flooding.
  • Investing Road Maintenance Sales Tax funds on capital road projects and maintenance.

“The County is excited to implement a strategic investment plan that directly impacts our citizens and empowers our employees,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “This year, we made a concerted effort to focus on big picture priorities that will help make a real difference in people’s lives and reduce the long-term demand on County services.”

The County is expected to retain a fund balance in FY 2019 that will help the County respond to emergency situations.

“The threat of catastrophic wildfire and post-wildfire flooding is the number one public safety threat in Coconino County,” said Vice-Chair Art Babbott. “The County’s strategic investments in forest restoration and industry cultivation will help move regional restoration initiatives forward and work to protect our communities. The hiring of a County Forest Restoration Director is a key component of this initiative.”

The FY 2019 final budget will be considered for adoption June 26, 2018 and the final tax rates will be set Aug. 7, 2018.