Road debris is more than a nuisance

AAA FTS: Road debris linked to thousands of injuries, hundreds of deaths

Submitted by AAA of Western and Central New York

Road debris is a traffic safety concern for all road users. While there is no singular definition of road debris, it generally refers to any object on a roadway that does not belong in the driving environment.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a study to determine how road debris contributes to motor vehicle crashes, injuries and deaths in the U.S. Here are the key findings:

•From 2018-23, Road debris contributed to more than 319,000 crashes, resulting in more than 32,000 injuries and 433 deaths.

•On average, each year road debris was a factor in 53,000 crashes, 5,500 injuries, and 72 deaths.

•Evasive maneuvers are especially dangerous: About 1 in 4 injuries and nearly half of all deaths occurred when drivers swerved or took other evasive actions to avoid debris.

•Most crashes involved a vehicle striking or being struck by debris.

Common types of debris

•Vehicle parts (tires, bumpers, wheels): 30% of crashes

•Miscellaneous cargo (furniture, mattresses, kayaks, barbecue grills, etc.): 19% of crashes

Preventing road debris

“Regular vehicle maintenance can prevent parts from coming loose or tires from failing,” explained AAA Dispatch Manager Dan Fisher. “Drivers should have vehicles checked regularly by a licensed mechanic.”

•Replace worn or underinflated tires to avoid blowouts.

•Inspect exhaust systems and mounting hardware for rust or corrosion.

•Ask technicians to look for potential issues during routine oil changes.

Secure every load: Improperly secured cargo is a major source of roadway debris. To properly secure a load: Tie down items with rope, netting, or straps – this is especially important when transporting holiday trees; attach large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer; cover the load with a sturdy tarp or netting; avoid overloading the vehicle; and double-check that everything is tight and secure before driving.

State laws and penalties

All 50 states require drivers to secure their cargo. Penalties for unsecured loads resulting in crashes range from $10 to $2,500, and in some cases, jail time. In New York, drivers face fines of up to $150 and imprisonment.

Tips for drivers

•Keep an eye out for road debris. Eyes up and on the road, avoid distractions.

•Give space and room to respond.

•If possible, warn others. Tap your brakes to signal to drivers behind you that there is debris in the road ahead.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 866,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA WCNY has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.