Road Debris Caused 500 Deaths Between 2011 and 2014

August 29, 2016

More than 200,000 car accidents that occurred between 2011 and 2014 involved road debris, and these accidents caused 500 deaths and 39,000 injuries, according to a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

These types of car crashes have increased by 40 percent since the foundation began studying these incidents in 2001.

Researchers also found that:

• There is a much greater likelihood for road debris crashes on interstate highways because vehicles are traveling at high speeds.
• More than one third of road debris crashes happen between 10:00 a.m. and 3:59 p.m. when heavy items and construction equipment are being hauled.
• Approximately 37 percent of deaths from road debris crashes happen when drivers swerve to avoid debris. This increases the risk for drivers to lose control of their car and hit other vehicles or go off the road.
• Approximately two thirds of road debris accidents are caused by unsecured loads that fall off vehicles.
• The most common types of road debris are tires, wheels, tow trailers, furniture and appliances.

Preventing Road Debris Crashes

The AAA study says that drivers can decrease the likelihood of a road debris crash by:

• Having their vehicles inspected by a mechanic regularly. That way you can avoid driving with old or underinflated tires that are more likely to suffer blowouts and leave pieces of rubber on the road. A mechanic can also look over exhaust systems and other hardware that is attached to the outside of the vehicle. Corroded hardware can drag on the road and eventually fall off.
• Make sure all items you are towing are secured. Drivers should use netting or rope to tie objects directly to the vehicle and always double check to be sure the load is secure.
• Driving defensively. Drivers should not tailgate and should leave an appropriate amount of space between their car and others on the road.

Drivers injured in road debris crashes may be able to obtain compensation from the negligent driver who caused the accident. Contact the accident lawyers at Phillips Law Group to find out your legal rights and see if you are entitled compensation.

Call 1-800-706-3000 for your free, no obligation consultation.