Knowing How To React If You Encounter Debris In The Road

Whether you are traveling hundreds of miles on a road trip or driving just a couple of miles to your office, you accept the inherent risks of operating a vehicle each day when you get behind the wheel. You also assume the responsibility to drive safely and follow traffic laws in order to protect yourself and others. At Amendt Law, we have been able to help many people in California who have been the victims of a car accident.

Driving risks can range from inclement weather to a poorly maintained vehicle to debris in the middle of the road. The latter risk is one that is completely avoidable but unfortunately remains a dangerous problem for people all over the nation. According to the AAA Exchange, in a three year period, road debris was responsible for alarming 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths. When you are aware of how to properly secure your load and are vigilant in making sure you fasten everything the correct way, you can prevent your belongings from becoming detached from your vehicle or trailer.

If you encounter debris on the road, it is also important that you know how to react. You should always maintain an appropriate following distance to the vehicle in front of you. This way, if they encounter road debris and move out of the way quickly, you will also have time to see the debris and move. Tailgating may compromise your response time. Likewise, you should be scanning the road in front of you to be able to recognize hazards before they turn into immediate danger. In precarious situations, you should do what you can to slow and avoid the debris if possible.

Being knowledgeable about your role in preventing road debris and understanding how to respond if you suddenly notice something amiss in the road are crucial to helping you stay safer. For more information about car accidents, visit our web page.