Highways

Road Debris

The Federal Highway Administration reports that road debris and stalled cars cause up to 40% of traffic congestion. Debris on U.S. highways also causes more than 25,000 wrecks (averaging about 68 accidents per day) and 80 deaths a year. Although debris causes less than 1% of all annual traffic accidents, it is still considered a serious problem.

Debris can cause a driver to lose control of his vehicle or can be launched by the tires of a car into the windshield of another vehicle. Large pieces of debris can also cause a driver to break or change lanes suddenly, increasing the risk of collision.

Of the 36 states that pick up debris on a daily or weekly basis, 87% report tire treads as one of the most common types of debris. Other common debris includes garbage dropped by waste haulers, construction materials, mufflers and exhaust parts.

To avoid debris-related accidents, drivers should do the following:

• Secure all loads, and check load status from time to time.
• If diving behind a vehicle with an unstable load, drop back or move into another lane.
• Always be aware of what options you have should debris fall onto the road. In some cases it may be safer to drive over small debris than to swerve around it.