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In a new study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, it found that during the past four years more than 200,000 crashes involved debris on U.S. roadways. These road debris accidents resulted in approximately 39,000 injuries and more than 500 deaths between 2011 and 2014. 

AAA is calling for drivers to properly secure their loads to prevent dangerous debris. 

AAA researchers examined common characteristics of crashes involving road debris and found that: 

• Nearly 37 percent of all deaths in road debris crashes resulted from the driver swerving to avoid hitting an object. Overcorrecting at the last minute to avoid debris can increase a driver’s risk of losing control of their vehicle and make a bad situation worse.

• More than one in three crashes involving debris occur between 10:00 a.m. and 3:59 p.m., a time when many people are on the road hauling or moving heavy items like furniture or construction equipment.

• Debris-related crashes are much more likely to occur on interstate highways. Driving at high speeds increases the risk for vehicle parts to become detached or cargo to fall onto the roadway. 

In reviewing the most common types of vehicle debris, the following was found to be the most prevalent: 

• Detached parts from vehicles such as tires and wheels.

• Falling cargo such as furniture and appliances which were not secured.

• Tow trailers which become separated from the vehicle. These trailers can hit another vehicle or land on the roadway as an obstruction to others. 

The Star Tribune in Minnesota says that mattresses, couches and ladders are among the most common items lost from vehicles, but the Minnesota Department of Transportation workers in many metro areas have picked up everything from exercise equipment to motor scooters to pickup toppers. Lightweight items such as coolers, luggage and life jackets are also common and just as dangerous. All it takes is a gust of wind or hitting a bump to send an object flying. Anything weighing more than a few pounds can be a deadly object.  At 20 miles per hour, an object weighing just 20 pounds that falls from a vehicle strikes with an impact of half a ton. 

State Laws Prohibit Unsecured Loads 

The Public Affairs Department of AAA reports that currently 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. AAA encourages drivers to educate themselves about specific road debris laws in their state. Drivers should also practice defensive driving techniques while on the road to prevent debris-related crashes from occurring. 

Under Florida Statute 316.520, a motorist who fails to secure his or her load can be charged with a noncriminal traffic infraction punishable by a $200 fine; if the offense results in bodily injury or death, it is a 2^nd degree misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine and/or 60 days in prison. 

“Driving defensively and undistracted can prepare drivers for the potential of road debris,” said Fort Myers Auto Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. “Should you or a loved one be injured in a vehicle accident, after seeking medical aid, contact our experienced team of attorneys. We have helped countless victims of vehicle accidents.”

Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.