Road Debris Crashes Increased by 40 Percent Since 2001

Posted on behalf of Pfeifer Morgan & Stesiak

on September 6, 2016

. Updated on March 23, 2022

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car accidentRoad debris is a growing threat to your safety out on the road, according to a new report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The study reveals that there were more than 200,000 road debris car accidents from 2011 to 2014, resulting in 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths.

The foundation has been studying road debris car crashes since 2001 and has seen a 40 percent increase in these types of accidents since then.

The study found that drivers are at greater risk of getting into a road debris accident on interstate highways because vehicles are moving at high speeds.

More than one third of deaths from these types of accidents happen when drivers try to quickly turn the wheel to avoid objects in the road. These drivers often lose control of their vehicles.

The AAA study also found that more than 60 percent of road debris accidents are caused by unsecured loads, which commonly include tires, wheels, tow trailers and appliances.

Drivers have a bigger responsibility than they realize in preventing debris from getting on the road, says AAA Utah spokeswoman Rolayne Fairclough.

The AAA report urges drivers to make sure that they are not driving on underinflated tires because that increases the likelihood of a blowout, which could leave big chunks of rubber in the road.

AAA also reminds drivers to double check any loads they are carrying to be sure they are tied directly to the vehicle with netting or rope.

Fairclough reminds drivers that many states hit drivers with severe fines, penalties and even jail time for dropping debris onto the road.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a road debris car accident? Contact the South Bend car accident lawyers at Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak to find out if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. If you have a legitimate claim, our injury attorneys will aggressively pursue every dollar you deserve.

Call (844) 678-1800 for a free legal consultation to find out your options.

Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak

Serious Attorneys for Serious Cases