LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- It can happen to any of us. You’re driving down the road, and something falls off of the truck in front of you. Situations like this can cost you money, or even more — your life.
The Florida Department of Transportation has multiple crews that are dedicated to curb crashes related to road debris.
Road Ranger Tim Palmore is one of those crew members who drives up and down I-75 in Lee County to help with road debris. He said he deals with a lot of broken down cars, wrecks, and road debris related incidents. “I do tire changes about six times a day which is going to happen because there is so much debris out there, said Palmore."
Palmore and other crew member have seen various types of road debris including furniture, buckets, and hot tubs. However, Palmore said bed mattresses are the most dangerous in his opinion. "It’s not something you can just drive across. The springs will go off, and it’s just a mess.”
Palmore can attest road debris is an issue in Lee County, but DOT Communications Manager Zack Burch has the numbers to prove it. “In one year, our staff collected over 520,000 pounds of trash just on I-75 and just in Lee County," said Burch.
In the past, people have told Burch they don't believe smaller pieces of debris like tire or cardboard are a big issue. However, AAA reported road debris was responsible for 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths between 2011 and 2014.
"You have to look at the scale of things," said Burch. “An 18-wheeler might not matter, but if you're driving a motorcycle, a scooter, or you’re a cyclists off the road-- it's a whole different level of injury."
Construction related debris seems to be the biggest issue because things like ladders aren't always secured properly and end up on the road.
Many viewers, who did not want to go on camera, have reached out Fox 4 to tell their stories about road debris damaging their cars.
So who foots the bill when road debris causes damage to your car? Burch said if it happens on a state road, than you might not have to. "You can make a claim against the contractor or the department. There are some steps you have to follow, but you can fill out the form on our website and we will get back to you. Some cases are more obvious than others. "
The Florida Department of Transportation works with state troopers, road rangers, and third party contractors to keep roadways clear and safe. However, they want drivers to step up and do their part, too. "If we can get some help and get some cooperation, we can cut this down dramatically and we can make the road a lot safer. "
Burch said drivers should never get out of their car to clear any road debris off of busy state roads. He recommended drivers to report those issues by calling *347, and a crew member will help take care of it.
