Car Accidents Involving Road Debris
When you’re driving on the roadway, you may be worrying about the actions of other drivers, but you should also be worrying about what’s on the road.
Road debris is a serious issue that can lead to accidents and even fatalities. It’s important to be especially careful on interstate highways. In fact, debris-related crashes were four times more likely to occur on highways than non-debris crashes.
Road debris is defined as debris from any source, including vehicles, that can pose a significant safety hazard. It may include:
- Parts detaching (particularly tires and wheels).
- Unsecured cargo falling (furniture and appliances are the biggest culprits).
- Tow trailers detaching.
From 2011 to 2014, road debris contributed to over 200,000 reported crashes nationwide, leading to an estimated 39,000 injuries and 500 fatalities. A crash was classified as debris-related if it involved a vehicle that:
- Struck or was hit by an object that had fallen from another vehicle.
- Collided with a non-fixed object located in the travel lane.
- Swerved to avoid a non-fixed object in the travel lane and subsequently crashed.
Nearly 37% of all deaths in road debris crashes resulted from the driver swerving to avoid hitting an object. Swerving can cause a vehicle to hit an object, such as a pole, guardrail, or other vehicle. Compared with all drivers involved in crashes, drivers who struck or were struck by debris were 20% more likely to be men. More than 30% of crashes involving debris occur between 10:00 a.m. and 3:59 p.m., which is when many people are on the road hauling or moving heavy items.
Preventing Road Debris Accidents
Road debris accidents can often be avoided through these key prevention strategies:
- Maintain your vehicle. Regularly inspect tires, brakes, and exhaust systems to prevent parts from breaking loose. Replace worn or damaged components promptly.
- Secure loads properly. Use strong straps, ropes, or nets to secure items in trucks, trailers, or roof racks. Avoid overloading and ensure cargo is evenly distributed. Double-check load security before each trip.
- Drive defensively. Keep a safe following distance to allow time to react to debris ahead. Scan the road far in advance to spot hazards early. On highways, stay alert in areas where debris risk is higher, such as near construction zones or behind large trucks.
- Respond safely to debris. If possible, slow down and steer around debris rather than swerving sharply. Use hazard lights to warn other drivers if you encounter large objects.
Contact Us Today
Road debris is not something drivers always look out for, but hitting a large object can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
In a crash? See how a Mt. Juliet car accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC can help you through your hardship. We are dedicated to helping car accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. To schedule a consultation, call (615) 622-6060 or fill out the online form.
Source:
aaafoundation.org/prevalence-motor-vehicle-crashes-involving-road-debris-united-states-2011-2014/
