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Desert Corridor Travel Safety

Whether it’s a visit to Vegas, the Colorado River or places beyond, travel through the Mojave corridor is a tradition for many Californians. But the desert can be a challenging place, especially if something goes wrong. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safer on your travels.

Emergencies: Call 911
 
Remember: You may be traveling with thousands of others, feeling like you’re part of a moving city. But unlike a city, water, food, and emergency help may be very far away. Emergency responders may be over an hour from your location.
Featured Video

The Lonely Fire Station

Serving I-15 — California’s Deadliest Highway

The Mojave Desert is stunning, and unforgiving. San Bernardino County Fire Station 53 in Baker sits at the heart of California’s deadliest stretch of highway, covering more than 5,000 square miles along the I-15 corridor. Every day, more than 220,000 vehicles pass through this remote desert. When something goes wrong, help can be over an hour away.

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Pack These Basic Supplies
Water
1–2 gallons per person. Sip often — don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
 
Ice & Ice Chest
Keep food and drinks cold in extreme heat.
 
Non-Perishable Food
Snacks and food that won’t spoil in the heat.
 
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats.
 
First Aid Kit
Gauze, splints, OTC pain medicine, saline solution, insect bite kits, and tourniquets.
 
Cell Phone & Chargers
Bring multiple ways to charge your phone.
 
Flashlight / Flood Light
With extra batteries. Essential at night or in dust storms.
 
Shade
An ez-up canopy or umbrellas. Blankets protect against hot surfaces like sand and asphalt.
 
Basic Tools
Tool kit, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, and a shovel.
Know
Know your route. Map your travel and spot where you can find gas, rest stops, and services along the way.
 
You still call 911 in the desert. Highly trained firefighters, paramedics, and rescuers will respond immediately — but may be over an hour away.
 
Expect extreme weather. Intense heat can make the road feel as hot as a frying pan. Flash floods, snow, and ice are also possible.
 
Attentive driving is more important here than almost anywhere else you may go.
 
Slowing down is the best thing you can do to protect yourself.
 
If an accident occurs, traffic may back up for miles. Be prepared to wait.
Do
Advise someone of your travel plan and expected arrival time
 
Check forecast and road conditions before you leave
 
Follow rules of the road — speed is your biggest enemy in a crash
 
Prepare for your trip, even if your plans were last-minute
 
Keep your gas tank or battery above 50% throughout your trip
 
Use headlights in dust, rain, and fog
 
If you must stop, move off the pavement as far as safely possible
 
If you break down: stay with your vehicle, rely on supplies, turn on hazards, and use your phone or reflective material to signal for help
Don’t
Cross water or mud flowing across the freeway — even shallow water can sweep a vehicle away
 
Try to off-road your passenger vehicle over snow or mud
 
Stay in the roadway during a fender-bender. Pull off to the side or nearest exit ramp to exchange information
 
Leave children or pets in a parked vehicle — even briefly. Heat or cold can harm or kill them quickly
 
Stay safe out there. A little preparation before you leave can make all the difference. The desert rewards the prepared traveler and punishes the unprepared one.