Common Effects of Bad Roadways

According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, as much as 50 percent of America’s roads and highways are in bad conditions. As the roadways throughout the nation continue to age, a number of potential hazards emerge that lead to countless collisions each year. While bad road effects are more prevalent in urban areas throughout the country, rural regions must also pay attention to the road conditions where they commonly travel.

Each year in the United States, and in Alabama specifically, a significant number of motor vehicle collisions occur as a result of bad road effects. Many Alabama drivers recall seeing constructions zones all over the state. From regular streets and roads to highly trafficked highways and interstates, the state of Alabama is continually improving the current road conditions. While this is an important and necessary change, construction zones also present an additional level of danger for motorists.

When traveling in areas where bad road conditions may exist, it is critical for drivers to be aware of potential dangers that may follow. While some collisions are certainly unavoidable, an education in regard to what types of adverse road conditions exists, as well as bad road effects, will place these motorists in a better position to avoid a crash all together. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident due to bad road effects, you may be entitled to compensation to help pay for your losses.

To speak with a Citrin Law Firm attorney today, simply fill out a Free Case Review form on this page.

The Types and Causes of Bad Roads

The Alabama Department of Transportation issues quarterly reviews of what current road repair operations are being conducted. While they are unable to report all construction and maintenance zones in Alabama, the department serves as an excellent resource when planning traveling routes. Unfortunately, however, there are many types of bad roads that go unreported each and every day. In these situations, it is critical for all Alabama motorists to drive in an alert, aware manner to ensure that any bad road effects are spotted prior to any damage or collision.

The following are some of the most common causes of bad roads:

• Ice Patches: Cold winters in Alabama cause ice patches to form, even without the presence of rain or snow. Typically found in isolated regions on the roadways, drivers should look out for ice patches when the weather is cool enough for them to form.
• Oil and Chip: Prior to a road resurface oil and chip areas are commonly utilized to create temporary fixes on the road or highway. However, when these oil and chip areas are left for an extended length of time, they become slippery and commonly cause accidents to occur.
• Potholes: Some of the most severe bad road effects are due to potholes throughout the roads in Alabama. Due to the limited visibility of these potholes, drivers often find that they are approaching a pothole in too little time to react. Potholes specifically refer to missing chunks in the road where asphalt of blacktop should be. Due to the serious danger associated with potholes, Alabama motorists should inform the Department of Transportation when one is spotted in order to fix the situation as soon as possible.
• Shoulder Drop-Off: There is a drop-off region on the many of the roadways in Alabama. This refers to the 2 inch or more should that sits under the road’s surface. These shoulder drop-off areas present a serious risk to motorists.
• Slick Roads: When a “Slippery When Wet” road sign exists, drivers must exercise extreme caution. Even when this sign is not present, motorists must be aware of the hazards linked to driving on slippery surfaces, as hydroplaning and skidding on the roads is incredibly dangerous.
• Construction Zones: When a driver sees that they are traveling in a work zone, they must operate the vehicle with a heightened sense of awareness. Due to the variety of changes in the road in constructions zones, such as lanes changes or uneven roads, Alabama motorists must be alert enough to adjust to construction zone situations.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to bad road effects in Alabama, Citrin Law Firm is prepared to guide you through the litigation process. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to hear more about your personal options.

An Alabama Lawyer is Here for You

Citrin Law Firm believes strongly that protecting Alabama drivers is essential to the overall well-being of our community. Through projects such as the Citrin Safety Foundation, we are able to play a role in the community to make a safer environment for all residents. At our injury law firm, our car crash lawyers strongly believe that accident victims must be given proper compensation when the carelessness of another causes harm.

To learn more about your legal options, complete a Free Case Review today.