Road hazards are a reality of driving.

Some, like animals, can be avoided with one simple step: paying attention to the road. Others, like large vehicles (e.g., big rigs), will always present danger and require more work to keep your vehicle in good shape. But it\’s not all doom and gloom! There are plenty of ways to avoid road hazards, and we\’re here to help.

It all starts with knowing what you\’re likely to face out there. In this article, we cover the seven most common road hazards.

1. Unpredictable Weather Conditions

Unpredictable weather conditions can range from ice and snow to excessive rain and hail. Each year, about 21 percent of accidents are attributed to weather conditions, so it\’s an issue worth paying attention to. Furthermore,  certain types of terrain are more susceptible to certain weather conditions. For example, mountainous regions are more likely to experience ice and snow, while areas near the coast are more susceptible to hurricanes. Always be mindful of the weather and the surroundings that might exacerbate its effects.

2. Poorly Maintained Roads

Poorly maintained roads are yet another danger. This can include everything from potholes to large cracks in the pavement. This can cause damage to vehicles and, in some cases, even lead to accidents.

With everyday driving, you can probably pick out the problem areas. Try to avoid certain areas when weather events occur to keep one problem from compounding on the other. And remember to always be sure to check for road conditions before setting out on a journey and plan accordingly.

3. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in the United States. While impaired driving continues to get most of the attention and research dollars, distracted driving is every bit as destructive and potentially deadly. Part of that could be due to the fact that it\’s hard to \”prove\” distracted driving was the reason for an accident. Also, many people aren\’t comfortable admitting to it.

4. Impaired Drivers

Impaired drivers continue to be an issue when it comes to both causing accidents and fatalities. One study reports that 28 percent of fatal crashes were caused by drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit.

However, it\’s important to note that not all impaired drivers are created equal. For example, someone who is legally drunk is more impaired than someone who is under the influence of drugs. That\’s because alcohol slows down your reaction while drugs can make you hypervigilant or more prone to distraction.

5. Speeding and Disobedience of Traffic Laws

Speeding is one of the most common factors in accidents. It\’s also one of the most preventable. In an age where virtually every car comes with cruise control as a standard feature, it\’s inexcusable to not be able to control how fast you\’re going. Speeding makes it more difficult to stop in an emergency situation and can increase the severity of a crash. It can also make it difficult to avoid road obstructions and other unpredictable hazards that you may encounter while driving on well-trafficked areas.

6. Large Vehicles

At DC Clear Auto Bra, many of the vehicle owners we help come to us after an encounter, either direct or indirect, with a larger vehicle. Maybe it\’s a discarded piece of rubber on the interstate from a big rig that lost tread. Maybe it\’s a rock flung into the vehicle owner\’s windshield or bounced off the hood. Whatever the case, large vehicles can do damage without even meaning to!

Large vehicles have a higher center of gravity and are more difficult for many drivers to control. This can create problems for the average motorist as well, which is perhaps why large vehicles are involved in so many accidents, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 

7. Animals

Animals are yet another road hazard you\’re likely to encounter. Everything from deer to birds can do damage to your vehicle to varying degrees. If you hit a deer, it\’s likely you\’ll need the help of a full-service body shop to move past it. Smaller damages, on the other hand, might be addressable through a paint job or the simple act of popping out a few dents. Consider installing deer whistles, paint protection, or protective coatings to protect the integrity of your vehicle from minor incursions.

The Road and Road Hazards Can Be Rough on Your Car

As you can see, there are all kinds of things that can go wrong once you place your key in the ignition. Some are more invasive than others, for sure. But if you start by taking care of the look and appeal of your car, the rest of that safety-first attitude should pop into place.Are you proud of the way your vehicle looks?

Want to preserve its integrity for years to come? DC Clear Auto Bra can help. Whether it\’s XPEL Stealth film, Ultimate Plus, or Fusion Plus Ceramic, we\’ve got the coatings that your car needs to look fantastic. We also offer paint correction for those road dings that are common and unavoidable the longer you own your car. Contact us today for a free quote!