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 2018-2023, 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, BBQ grills, etc.): 19% of crashes

Preventing Road Debris:

“Regular vehicle maintenance can prevent parts from coming loose or tires from failing,” explains 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.
•    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 State, 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.