When you’re driving down the highway, the last thing you expect is for a large object to come crashing through your windshield. Unfortunately, this nightmare scenario is all too real for many unsuspecting drivers due to the dangers posed by unsecured cargo. Between 2016 and 2020, there were 732 fatalities where a vehicle collided with unsecured cargo. In most cases, the cargo came from a passenger vehicle, so it’s definitely something to be aware of.
The Risks of Unsecured Loads
Every year, thousands of car accidents are caused by objects that have fallen off of other vehicles. These “road debris” incidents can result in serious injuries and even fatalities for innocent drivers. Common culprits include:
- Ladders, pipes, and other construction materials
- Furniture, appliances, and household goods
- Tree branches, rocks, and other natural debris
- Tires, car parts, and cargo that has come loose
The sheer size and weight of these objects means they can do catastrophic damage when they come crashing into a vehicle. Drivers often have little to no time to react, leaving them vulnerable to the full force of the impact.
Legal Responsibilities for Cargo Safety
In the United States, laws regarding cargo securement fall under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These rules apply to commercial vehicles, but the principles of safe loading and securing apply to all drivers.
The FMCSA requires that cargo be “firmly immobilized or secured on or within a vehicle by structures of adequate strength, dunnage or dunnage bags, shoring bars, tiedowns or a combination of these.” This means that the cargo must be prevented from shifting, falling, or spilling from the vehicle in normal driving conditions.
Drivers who fail to properly secure their loads can face hefty fines and potential criminal charges if their negligence leads to an accident. Personal injury victims may also have grounds to sue the at-fault driver for damages, which is why it is important to speak to us if it happens to you.
Protecting Yourself on the Road
While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from unsecured cargo dangers:
- Keep Your Distance: Give plenty of space between your vehicle and trucks or trailers that may be carrying loose items. Maintain a safe following distance in case anything comes loose.
- Be Alert: Scan the road ahead for any potential debris. Keep your eyes peeled for objects that may be shifting or coming loose from other vehicles.
- Avoid Blind Spots: Steer clear of the rear and side blind spots of large commercial trucks, where unsecured cargo is most likely to fall.
- Report Unsafe Loads: If you notice a vehicle with an unsecured load, report it to the authorities or contact the company responsible. This could help prevent a tragedy down the road.
- Invest in Dash Cams: Equipping your vehicle with a high-quality dash cam can provide critical evidence in the event of a road debris accident.
Unsecured cargo poses a serious threat to all drivers on the road. By understanding the risks and taking proactive safety measures, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from the potentially devastating consequences of these preventable accidents. Talk to us today if unsecured cargo caused an accident you were involved in.
You can visit our office at the following location:
536 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133.
Call now for a free consultation on (415) 352-6264.