Road Debris Linked To Thousands Of Crashes And Hundreds Of Deaths Across The U.S., AAA Finds

When people think about the causes behind tens of thousands of crashes across the United States, many of them fatal, drunk or distracted driving usually come to mind. However, a recent study by the AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety points to a less obvious but equally dangerous threat: road debris. After reviewing nationwide police reports and other research, AAA found that road debris was likely a factor in more than 319,000 crashes between 2018 and 2023. Those crashes led to more than 32,000 injuries and 433 deaths.

Road debris generally refers to any object on the roadway that does not belong in the driving environment. The most common examples include vehicle parts such as tires, bumpers, and wheels, as well as unsecured cargo that falls from vehicles, including furniture, barbecue grills, and mattresses.

The study found that many crashes involving road debris occurred when drivers made sudden and risky maneuvers, such as swerving to avoid objects in the roadway. These evasive actions were linked to roughly a quarter of all injuries and nearly half of the deaths associated with debris-related crashes.

According to the findings, road debris contributed to an average of about 53,000 crashes each year during the six-year study period. Each year, those crashes resulted in approximately 5,467 injuries and 72 deaths. Fallen vehicle parts and unsecured cargo were identified as the most frequent types of debris, and sudden swerving played a significant role in the most severe and deadly incidents.

AAA officials noted that many of these crashes could have been prevented if drivers had taken the time to properly secure their loads. Failing to secure cargo or maintain a vehicle may seem minor, but it has repeatedly led to serious injuries and tragic loss of life.

Securing cargo is not just a safety recommendation, it is the law in all 50 states. Penalties for failing to secure a load can range from modest fines to thousands of dollars, and in some cases may include jail time, especially if a crash occurs as a result.

Drivers are encouraged to take simple steps to prevent debris-related crashes. Items should be tied down with rope, straps, or netting, and large objects should be firmly attached to the vehicle or trailer. Loads should be covered with a sturdy tarp or net when appropriate, vehicles should not be overloaded, and everything should be double-checked before hitting the road.

Motorists can also reduce their risk by staying alert for debris, keeping their eyes on the road, and avoiding distractions. Leaving extra space between vehicles allows more time to react if debris appears ahead. When safe to do so, lightly tapping the brakes can help warn drivers behind you. Regular vehicle maintenance is also critical, as loose or damaged parts can become dangerous debris themselves.