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How to Avoid Road Debris

Roberts Wilson, P.A. | November 3, 2016

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What is road debris? An empty box, a dead deer, a blown-out tire. These items can be harmless at slow speeds, but at interstate speed they can be a real danger due to less reaction time.

According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, road debris is a factor in over 50,000 reported car accidents a year resulting in 10,000 injuries and 125 deaths a year (2014-1015 data).

There were higher number of injuries and deaths related to the car crashes that involved drivers swerving to avoid debris. When drivers swerved, they are more likely to experience roll-overs, crashes with trees, guardrails, and crashes with other vehicles.

Drivers can save lives by securing their loads and prevent items from falling off their vehicle.

Follow these tips to avoid dangerous road debris:

  • Continually search the road ahead at least 12 to 15 seconds for debris.
  • Don’t tailgate! By leaving at least 3 to 4 seconds of following distance, you can see potential objects in the road ahead easier.
  • If you see you are going to hit something in the road like a piece of tire, safely reduce your speed as much as possible prior to making contact.
  • When driving at dusk and dawn be especially alert for animals on or near the road.
  • Drivers should keep open space to the front and at least one side of their vehicle at all times. If the need arises, a you can steer into the open space to avoid contact with road debris.

If you, or someone you know, have suffered injuries in a car accident due to road debris, please call Roberts Wilson Injury Lawyers to see if we can help you.

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