When it comes to highway hazards in Texas, there’s a safety concern every driver needs to know.
Three different types of highway hazards may cause an accident: disabled vehicles, debris, and animals. Each can be dangerous for you and your family, whether you’re behind the wheel or a passenger in another car. You need to watch out for these potential threats and know how to avoid a collision.
Learn more about the types of Texas highway hazards below so you can stay safe when you’re on the road. And in case of any accidents, engage dangerous roads and highways accident attorneys.
1) Disabled Vehicles
Roadside incidents can happen at any time, which is one of the reasons why it’s essential to be prepared for whatever may occur while driving. It includes knowing what to do if you come across a vehicle that has broken down.
When you see a vehicle on or near the road that has smoke coming from it, warning flares in the area, or hazard lights flashing, there may be a problem with it. It is especially true if the car driver is standing outside and not moving. It’s essential to take all necessary precautions when driving by such a scene.
After stopping your vehicle at a safe place, move as far away from the road as you can. If it’s dark outside, turn on your flashlight, so other drivers can see you and avoid hitting you by accident. Also, make sure to keep yourself and everyone in your car safe by locking all doors. It only takes one second for another vehicle to crash into your car, so make sure you’re doing everything you can to avoid becoming a victim.
2) Debris
Debris that’s on the road is another potential highway hazard that may cause an accident or damage to your vehicle. There are many kinds of debris that drivers need to look out for, but some of the most common ones include:
- Rocks or pebbles
- Animals or animal waste
If you ever come across the debris, take note of its size and shape. If it’s smaller than your fist, you’ll likely be able to drive through it without having any problems safely. But if the debris is larger, you may need to take another route to avoid it.
3) Animals
Driving around or near animals can be one of Texas’s more dangerous types of highway hazards. If you ever see an animal on or near a road, slow down and try your best to avoid hitting it. Not only will this help keep you safe, but it will also keep the animal safe.
There are a few animals that you’re more likely to see on the road, including:
- Dogs
- Deer
If you ever come across any of these animals or another type of animal, be sure to slow down and pay attention to your surroundings. Avoid swerving your vehicle or speeding up to get away. It can lead to an accident, so always try to avoid hitting animals whenever you can.
In conclusion, there are many types of hazards on the road. Any one of them can cause an accident or damage to your vehicle, which is why it’s important to know what to watch out for and how to avoid getting involved in any collisions.
