I used to drive from LA to Indianapolis & back every Labor Day week.
The ONLY “POLLUTION” I ever saw in New Mexico was TARANTULAS swarming all over the road in the middle of the night.
So numerous, the car was sometimes sliding. They were plate sized.. DID NOT STOP TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER
Your car was sliding over tarantulas? That would be the worst nightmare for me!
On the topic, I bought a new car last year — gas powered — and I love it. No EVs for this family.