Safety Impacts of Road Debris

Introduction

A previous study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimated that as many as 50,000 crashes, 10,000 injuries, and 125 deaths each year are attributable at least in part to road debris. These statistics, however, are based on data from crashes that occurred in years 2011-2014. The current study seeks to update these statistics using the most recent data available. 

Project Goal and Plan

The current study seeks to estimate how many crashes, injuries, and deaths on our roads were attributable to road debris in recent years. Since the contribution of road debris to crashes is not readily identifiable in routine administrative crash databases, the current study will build on the methodology used in the AAA Foundation’s previous study to estimate it using data from a variety of sources. The research team will also describe the characteristics of crashes involving road debris, as well as the nature and sources of debris to the extent that the data allow.