Rae Castillon on May 3, 2024 No Comments
Our roads are essential for daily travel, commerce, and connecting communities across the country to one another. However, poorly maintained roads or inherent design flaws can be a significant threat to the safety of drivers, bikers, and pedestrians. Understanding common road defects and how they have the ability to cause car crashes can keep you and your loved ones safe. If you do experience a collision, reach out to a Roanoke car accident attorney to discuss the legal options available to you or your loved ones.
Potholes & Uneven Surfaces
Potholes are areas of a road that have become worn away to leave a sizable hole in the ground. They may be caused by a combination of factors, including weathering, inadequate construction, and gradual wear and tear from vehicles. Hitting a pothole is not only jarring but also potentially damaging for a vehicle. Going over a pothole can damage a vehicle’s wheels, tires, or suspension.
Uneven road surfaces can also have a negative effect on a vehicle’s stability and steering. These hazards can include sudden bumps, dips, or cracks in the road. Hitting one of these obstacles can cause a car to swerve erratically in one direction. If the driver is not paying attention, they may lose control of their vehicle entirely and collide with a roadside object or other car.
Inadequate Signage or Traffic Signals
Road signs and traffic signals play a critical role in directing traffic flow and informing drivers of upcoming hazards or changes in road conditions. To provide the most effective protection for drivers, roads should include the following:
- Speed limit signs that indicate the maximum allowed speed for a stretch of roadway
- Warning signs to alert motorists of potential hazards, such as a sharp turn, wildlife crossing, or steep incline
- Traffic signals like stop signs and lights that regulate traffic on intersections and prevent collisions
When roads do not have adequate signage, drivers are more likely to become confused or operate their vehicles unsafely. An inexperienced or distracted driver may not stop at an intersection, misjudge the speed limit, or fail to notice an upcoming lane change.
Infrastructure Challenges That Pose a Risk to Drivers
Most people don’t think of road design too often. However, the way in which a road is designed can have a significant impact on how safe and drivable it is. Inherent design flaws can increase the chances of a collision. Some common problems in road design include:
- Sharp curves with limited visibility
- Intersections with obstructed views that cause drivers to have blind spots
- Inadequate shoulder space on freeways that do not allow disabled vehicles to safely pull over
- Narrow lanes that offer limited space for maneuvering
These issues can make roads more challenging to navigate, eliminate safe spaces for disabled vehicles, or limit a driver’s ability to see their surroundings.
Environmental Factors & Road Hazards
Some dangerous road conditions can be made much worse by poor weather. Potholes might be filled with water during heavy rainfall, which creates a higher risk of hydroplaning. Snow and ice can obscure already-faded road markings, thus decreasing visibility and making it more challenging to drive safely. Fog can significantly reduce visibility, making it hard to see oncoming traffic, sharp curves, or roadway defects like potholes.
Geographic features can also make a road more challenging to navigate, even for an experienced driver. Steep inclines or winding roads with poor visibility require extra care to navigate, especially when other road defects like narrow lanes or potholes may be present. Drivers navigating poor roads in bad weather should adjust their speeding accordingly, maintain a safe following distance, and stay aware of potential dangers.
The Importance of Road Maintenance
Regular road maintenance ensures that roads are kept safe for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Neglected roads may develop various issues that can significantly increase the risk of collisions. Some issues that may pop up due to neglect include:
- Uneven surfaces caused by crumbling or cracked asphalt
- Faded lane markings due to weathering
- Overgrown vegetation causing limited visibility at intersections or curves
Staying Safe By Sharing the Road Responsibly
Road defects and design flaws can undoubtedly make it more challenging to drive safely. However, drivers can mitigate at least some amount of the risk by practicing defensive driving and looking out for other road users. Drivers can protect themselves and others by maintaining a safe speed based on road conditions, staying alert and focused on the road, avoiding distractions while driving, and keeping their vehicles in good working condition. We can all do our part to make roads a safer place for everyone.
