A sandstorm is a natural disaster that many people in the United States do not experience, but it is possible! Sandstorms can take you by surprise, especially if you haven’t seen one before. If you are driving down the highway and a sandstorm occurs, what should you do?
What is a Sandstorm and Can One Occur While I’m Driving?
A sandstorm is a damaging storm created by strong winds that carries a wall of dust, sand, and debris. Sandstorms can be several miles long and reach thousands of feet in height. Wind speeds can reach up to 25 miles per hour. Though sandstorms often only last a few minutes, the dust can linger in the air for months!
When most people think of sandstorms, they may think they only occur in the Middle East or in North Africa–locations that are known for having expansive sand dunes. But sandstorms do occur in the United States, typically in Southwest states during the spring. If you don’t live in an area where sandstorms occur and find yourself in the middle of one while driving, what should you do?
What to Do When Driving in a Sandstorm?
Sandstorms can be hazardous to your health for various reasons, which is why you should stop driving if you find yourself in the middle of a sandstorm. If you are listening to the radio while on the road, typically there will be a sandstorm forecast by the National Weather Service.
If you are driving in a sandstorm, it is advised that you slow down and pull off the roadway as soon as you are able and park in a safe area. If you are driving on the highway, it’s a good idea to get off via the nearest exit. Sandstorms can greatly decrease visibility, so it’s a good idea to turn on your emergency lights so you are visible to other vehicles on the road.
If you find yourself driving in a sandstorm, do not exit your vehicle. Sandstorms can be hazardous to your health due to the dust in the air. If you have allergies or asthma, a sandstorm can greatly aggravate symptoms.
If caught outside in a sandstorm, you can experience the following symptoms:
- Itchy or burning eyes
- Throat irritation
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Skin irritation
- Difficulty breathing
If your symptoms are severe, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Will a Sandstorm Damage My Car if I’m Driving?
Driving in a sandstorm can not only be dangerous to your health, but to your car as well. Depending on the wind speed, a sandstorm could damage your exterior. Your vehicles paint could chip, you could get windshield pitting, and the electrical or mechanical system could even be damaged!
If you have comprehensive car insurance, the repair costs for sandstorm damage could be covered. However, if you only have liability car insurance or no insurance at all, you could be looking at a hefty repair bill.
If you don’t currently have the money on hand to cover minor car repairs due to driving in a sandstorm, consider inquiring for a loan. Car title loans, such as ChoiceCash Title Loans, can offer quick emergency cash based on the market value of your car.1 So you could potentially get enough money to cover the cost of sandstorm damage!1
Pay for Repairs Due to Sandstorm Damage while Driving with a Title Loan
Driving your car in a sandstorm is not always preventable. Sandstorms can occur quickly and without much warning. Even if you manage to avoid a car accident while on the road, the strong winds could still damage your car with flying debris.
A lot of people pay for minor car repairs with car title loans. Title loans are a secured loan option that use the car as collateral. Unlike with traditional bank loans, credit is not used to determine qualification with title loans.1 If you have bad credit, you may still be eligible for fast emergency cash as long as you have a qualifying car and a reliable source of income!
ChoiceCash Title Loans were meant to be a convenient online options, which means a majority of the process can be completed right at home. Designed for quick approval, you only need to follow these three steps1: Start an inquiry. Turn in your paperwork. Get approved for a title loan.1
Part of the reason the approval process can be so quick with ChoiceCash Title Loans is that the number of documents you need are easily accessible, take a look:
- Car Title: The title to the car you must be in your name.
- Proof of Income: When you work with ChoiceCash Title Loans you can use various documents as proof of income. For example, bank statements, paycheck stubs, government award letters, and more.
- Proof of Residence: As proof of residence, you could show recent utility bills, credit card statements, insurance statements, a lease agreement, etc.
- Proof of Identification: You can use any valid government-issued photo ID, such as a state ID, driver’s license, or U.S. passport.
- Photos of the Car: Instead of going through an in person car inspection, you can just submit pictures online with ChoiceCash Title Loans! You will be asked to include images of the hood, rear, sides, VIN, and odometer.
- References: You may be asked for personal references, professional references, or a mix of both.
ChoiceCash Title Loans can help you get financial support in as little as 24 hours to pay for repairs due to driving in a sandstorm!1 Call (855-422-7402) 855-422-7402 to speak with an agent or simply answer some questions about your car using the online title loan calculator.1