Between 2011-2014, road debris was a factor in a total of more than 200,000 police-reported crashes, resulting in approximately 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths. Road debris can be extremely dangerous to motorists, especially on roadways where cars travel at high speeds and have less time to react to objects in the road.
Many debris-related crashes are preventable. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, two in three debris-related crashes result from items falling from a vehicle due to improper maintenance or an unsecured load. Common types of road debris include: parts becoming detached from the vehicle (e.g. tires and wheels), unsecured cargo (e.g. furniture and appliances), and tow trailers becoming separated and hitting other vehicles.
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.
Drivers can prevent road debris crashes by taking simple precautions to prevent items from falling off their vehicles. Learn more about road debris and tips to avoid your risk of crashing here.
Maintain Your Vehicle— Badly worn or underinflated tires can result in blowouts that can leave pieces of tire on the roadway. Similarly, exhaust systems and the hardware that attach to the vehicle can corrode and cause mufflers and other parts to drag and eventually break loose. Potential tire and exhaust problems can easily be spotted by trained mechanics as part of the routine maintenance performed during every oil change.
Secure Vehicle Loads—When moving, towing furniture, or transporting items in an open truck bed, it is important to make sure all items are secured.
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