Road Debris and Car Accidents
Ever see pieces of wood or metal in the middle of the road? What about large pieces of furniture or car parts such as bumpers and tires? These items are common occurrences on some busy roadways but they’re nothing to mess around with.
This is called road debris. Hitting road debris while in your vehicle can end up being a messy or even dangerous situation. Not a lot of research is done on the effects of road debris, but they can lead to serious crashes. In 2001, debris deposited on the roadway contributed to nearly 25,000 crashes, leading to as many as 90 deaths.
It seems as debris-related crashes are becoming more common. Between 2011 and 2014, road debris was a factor in more than 200,000 police-reported crashes. These accidents resulted in close to 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths.
Some other statistics about road debris:
- Debris-related crashes were approximately four times as likely to occur on interstate highways (when compared to non-debris-related crashes).
- Drivers involved in these debris-related crashes were approximately 20% more likely to be men.
These accidents can largely be prevented by securing loads properly. All items should be secured properly by doing the following:
- Tying down load with rope, straps, and netting
- Tying large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer
- Covering the load with a sturdy tarp
- Avoiding overloading the vehicle
As a driver who is not hauling a load, you still need to be careful. Here are some tips to avoid accidents caused by road debris:
- Stay alert and focused. Keep your eyes on the road and constantly scan the road ahead for potential hazards. Do not use your phone or engage in other distracting activities while driving.
- Maintain a safe following distance. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. This gives you more time to react if debris appears suddenly.
- Drive at a safe speed. Adhere to speed limits and adjust your speed according to road conditions. Slow down in bad weather or when visibility is low.
- Use proper lighting. Ensure your headlights are on and working properly, especially in low-light conditions. Regularly check all vehicle lights to ensure they are functional.
- Avoid sudden movements. If you need to avoid debris, make smooth, controlled movements rather than abrupt swerves. Apply brakes gently to avoid skidding or losing control.
- Be aware of high-risk areas. Be extra cautious in construction zones, where debris is more likely. Debris is also more common on highways due to higher speeds and more traffic.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Car accidents can happen in many ways. Many drivers underestimate the damage that road debris can cause to their vehicle.
Count on a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC to help you deal with the effects of your crash. Get the financial recovery you deserve. Fill out the online form or call 281-347-3247 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
aaafoundation.org/prevalence-motor-vehicle-crashes-involving-road-debris-united-states-2011-2014/
