We've all seen it, a vehicle in front of us in traffic with a load that looks like it could come flying at us at any minute.
A new study confirms that the danger is on the rise: Crashes involving vehicle-related road debris have increased by 40 percent since 2001.
More than 200,000 crashes involved debris on U.S. roadways during the past four years, according to a new study released by the Washington, D.C.-based AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The crashes have resulted in approximately 39,000 injuries and more than 500 deaths between 2011 and 2014.
Danger on the roads
"This new report shows that road debris can be extremely dangerous but all of these crashes are preventable," said Jurek Grabowski, research director for the foundation. "Drivers can easily save lives and prevent injuries by securing their loads and taking other simple precautions to prevent items from falling off the vehicle."
AAA researchers found:
- Nearly 37 percent of all deaths in road debris crashes resulted from the driver swerving to avoid hitting an object. Overcorrecting at the last minute to avoid debris can increase a driver's risk of losing control of their vehicle and make a bad situation worse.
- More than one in three crashes involving debris occur between 10 a.m. and 3:59 p.m., a time when many people are on the road hauling or moving heavy items like furniture or construction equipment.
- Debris-related crashes are much more likely to occur on Interstate highways. Driving at high speeds increases the risk for vehicle parts to become detached or cargo to fall onto the roadway.
Unsecured loads
About two-thirds of debris-related crashes are the result of items falling from a vehicle because of improper maintenance and unsecured loads. The most common types of vehicle debris are:
- Parts becoming detached from a vehicle (tires, wheels, etc.) and falling onto the roadway.
- Unsecured cargo like furniture, appliances and other items falling onto the roadway.
- Tow trailers becoming separated and hitting another vehicle or landing on the roadway.
Tips to avoid accidents
Drivers can decrease their chances of being involved in a road debris crash by:
- Maintaining your vehicle: Drivers should have their vehicles checked regularly by trained mechanics. Badly worn or underinflated tires often suffer blowouts that can leave pieces of tire on the roadway. Exhaust systems and the hardware that attach to the vehicle can also rust and corrode, causing mufflers and other parts to drag and eventually break loose. Potential tire and exhaust system problems can easily be spotted by trained mechanics as part of the routine maintenance performed during every oil change.
- Securing vehicle loads: When moving or towing furniture, it is important to make sure all items are secured. To properly secure a load, drivers should:
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- Tie down load with rope, netting or straps.
- Tie large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer.
- Cover the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting.
- Don't overload the vehicle.
- Always double check load to make sure a load is secure.
Penalties and fines
Currently, every state has laws that make it illegal for items to fall from a vehicle while on the road. Most states' penalties result in fines ranging from $10-$5,000, with at least 16 states listing jail as a possible punishment for offenders. AAA encourages drivers to educate themselves about specific road debris laws in their state. Drivers should also practice defensive driving techniques while on the road to prevent debris related crashes from occurring.
AAA also recommends that drivers avoid tailgating and remain alert while on the road. Additional tips on defensive driving and how to report road debris to the proper authorities are available online at AAA.com/PreventRoadDebris.
(Source: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety)
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