Storm debris creates potential road hazards across valley

This week’s stormy weather and rain has stirred up debris into the roadways, posing potentially dangerous driving conditions.

According to AAA Spokesperson Doug Shupe, drivers should use caution and look at least 15 seconds ahead and reduce speed on the roads.

“Certainly when we have a lot of rain, like what what we are seeing this week, that moving water can cause some of those tire, pieces of tire or other debris that were on the sides of the freeway to be in the lanes of traffic, in the middle of the freeway,” Shupe said.

AAA research shows road debris was a factor in more than 200,000 police reported crashes from 2011-2014, resulting in approximately 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths.

The most common times for debris-related accidents is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and two-thirds of crashes resulted from drivers failing to properly secure loads on vehicles or maintain their vehicle.

According to the AAA website, “nearly 37 percent of all deaths in road debris crashes resulted from the driver swerving to avoid hitting an object.”

To report debris in the roads drivers can call California Highway Patrol toll free at 1-800-TELL-CHP (1–800-835-5247) 24 hours You can report a problem or submit a service request to CalTrans service here.

Addtional information and tips from the automobile club can be found on their website and this infographic here.