NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – With the windy season in full swing in New Mexico, dust storms have been popping up across the state. If you find yourself caught in a dust storm, whether it be while driving or walking outside, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Story continues below Sports: Rio Rancho baseball player accused of urinating in opponent’s water jug Don't Miss: New Mexico businesses slow to accept mobile ID program Crime: Second trial begins against former APD officer accused of false imprisonment Driving during a dust storm safety tips: If you are approaching a dust storm or are caught in a dust storm while driving, the New Mexico Department of Transportation recommends that drivers follow the guidelines below: Avoid driving into or through a dust storm. 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. If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back, and to the side) and begin slowing down. Do not stop in the roadway; pull completely out of the travel lanes and as far onto the right shoulder as possible. Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and away from where other vehicles may travel. Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake. Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts 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. NMDOT also recommends drivers monitor local forecast conditions before starting a trip and visit www.nmroads.com for current roadway information. Protecting your health According to the New Mexico Department of Health, dust storms can cause a number of serious health problems and can make some health problems worse. Tiny solid particles that make up dust can get past the lungs’ natural defenses, build up, and can harm sensitive lung tissue. While anyone can potentially be harmed by breathing too much dust, NMDOH identified the following groups of people who are at the highest risk: infants, children, and teens elderly people with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or otherrespiratory conditions people with heart disease pregnant women healthy adults working or exercising vigorously outdoors(for example, agricultural workers, construction workers,and runners). NMDOH recommends the following ways to protect your health during dust storms: Avoid going outside during severe dust storms. If you must go out, spend as little time outside as possible and avoid hard exercise. Wearing some type of covering over your nose and mouth can provide some protection from large particles. However, since the small dust particles are the most harmful, staying out of the dust is the best solution. View current wind speeds in New Mexico: ...read more read less