Every year, hundreds of motorists sustain injuries because of collisions with road debris. The unexpected surprise of coming face-to-face with something lying in the road can cause panic and you might overreact.
When you know some strategies for controlling your vehicle around debris, you can reduce your risk of crashing. Anytime you see something in the road, report it immediately.
Spatial awareness
One of the first things you might have learned in driver’s education is the definition of “safe following distance.” Going back to that primary rule can help you avoid a collision with road debris. If the vehicle in front of you suddenly swerves to miss something in the road, your decision to maintain a safe following distance may give you enough time to calmly change your vehicle’s position.
You should always scan the road in front of you to watch for unexpected hazards. Staying vigilant can help you recognize a problem before it is too late. Eliminating distractions can improve your awareness and ability to think quickly. Experts also recommend driving around other vehicles in a way that allows you an escape route if something happens directly in front of you.
Navigation
Sometimes, you cannot avoid a collision no matter how you react. In fact, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100 people die from car crashes every day in the United States. While driving, especially at high speeds, never try to swerve around road debris. Rather, drive straight through it. Even though your vehicle may suffer damage, driving straight through it allows you to maintain better control so you do not roll over or collide with additional objects.
A collision with road debris can cause serious injuries and property damage. Implementing safety strategies such as those mentioned above can improve your safety.