When a driver does not properly secure the load they are carrying, items fall or fly off the vehicle causing people to swerve and get into accidents. If the driver happens to lose an item, it could fly through the air, go through windshields, hit cars, or block the road. Road debris caused 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths between the years of 2011 and 2014. Stay safe out there and keep your eye out for anything in your path.
How to Prevent Road Debris Accidents
- Secure the load with a tarp, net, or rope. If you do not secure the load, something may come off of your vehicle.
- Do not tailgate. This is a given. If the person in front of you encounters road debris, you will need enough time to react and stop. If you are tailgating, you will slam into the back of them causing a bigger accident.
- Continually check the road. While you are driving, continuously check the road for debris. While you are at it, check your surroundings as well. Know the space you have around you and how you can react if you come upon some debris.
- Slow down. If you spot something on the road, make sure to slow down ahead of time. The more time you have to react the better the situation.
Always do your best to stay away from debris in the road. If you do crash into debris that you didn’t notice or couldn’t avoid, Huffman & Huffman in Virginia might be able to help you with a claim. Check out our blog entry about who can be liable for a road debris crash for more information.
