WLOS ABC News Channel 13 recently looked into the danger of debris and loose cargo on North Carolina roadways. Just about everybody has a story from a time when they had to avoid debris in the roadway. Failing to properly secure and fasten all cargo in one’s truck bed, car or trailer can put following motorists at risk for injury causing and potentially fatal crashes. These preventable roadway hazards are responsible for thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths across the nation each year.
Unsecured Cargo Causing Crashes in North Carolina
Unsecured cargo is a huge problem in North Carolina and across the U.S. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), in 2015, vehicles that swerved to avoid wind, slippery surfaces, or objects in the road caused more than 3,900 crashes. In those North Carolina crashes, 1,200 people were injured and 13 people were killed. A nationwide AAA study found that 39,000 injuries and 500 crash deaths were caused by road debris between 2011 and 2014.
Securing Cargo to Prevent Crashes
Properly securing your cargo can help keep roadways safe in Asheville. Whether you’re helping a friend move across town or taking a few items to a local donation center, make sure everything is properly secured before you hit the road. It could save a life. Always use plenty of tie-down straps and cords to secure items in your truck bed or on your trailer. Additionally, all cargo should be covered with a tarp, which should also be well secured. Finally, any items sticking out of your truck bed or trailer should have a red flag of some sort to alert other drivers.
Preventable Road Debris Crashes in Asheville
Crashes due to roadway debris and loose cargo are 100-percent preventable. In North Carolina, an unsecured cargo ticket can cost you $100. In South Carolina, it can be a misdemeanor criminal charge. If somebody is injured or killed due to loose cargo from your vehicle, you could also be facing additional consequences and expenses. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one due to dangerous debris or loose cargo on a roadway in or around the Asheville area, contact the skilled team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free case consultation today.