When most people think of car accidents in Louisiana, they imagine fender-benders or larger collisions where another driver is at fault. However, the road you are driving on can be a contributing cause of an accident. Several factors will create an unsafe road.
Compromised Road Surface
On a paved road, you expect to have a smooth ride. Yet, even with improvement to pavement technology, no road surface can last forever. The pressure of heavy vehicles and changing temperatures erodes the surface and causes cracks and other damage.
Common road surface issues include:
- Potholes
- Ruts
- Shoulder deterioration
- Dips
Hitting any of these defects at high speed can damage your vehicle and cause you to lose control.
Insufficient Snow and Ice Removal
In northern states, snow and ice create hazardous road conditions every winter. An unexpected cold snap can cause chaos in southern states like Louisiana. Local municipalities may not have enough equipment to clear ice from roads, and southern drivers do not have much experience driving in these weather conditions.
Poor General Maintenance
There is more to road safety than the surface. Signs, barriers and painted lines keep drivers safe. A missing sign or faded lines can cause confusion and distraction. A weak or missing barrier can turn what should be a minor accident into a tragedy. The governing body responsible for the road’s surface also has a responsibility for other aspects of the road’s upkeep.
Faulty Design and Construction
Building safe roads requires careful planning and proper construction techniques. The designers must take into account the possibilities of flooding from local waterways. If a roadway does not have sufficient height or drainage, it can lead to deep water and stalled vehicles.
If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to ascertain whether the condition of the road was a contributing factor. An experienced personal injury lawyer could help you determine the parties or parties that were at fault.