How to Avoid Road Debris Damage

As you drive throughout Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, you need to remain vigilant at all times. Not only do you need to pay attention to other drivers on the road, you also need to keep your eyes out for road debris. Whether it’s small debris like glass or sticks or larger items like a tire or mattress, car damage from road debris can be quite costly. In this guide from Eli’s Collision Repair, we are sharing helpful tips to avoid road debris damage. We want to ensure your vehicle is operating at its best and looking good for many years to come. 

Risk Factors for Road Debris Damage

There are a few risk factors that increase the likelihood of road debris damage on the streets of South Bay and downtown Los Angeles. 

• Driving at High Speeds – Highway speeds increase the chance of cargo or vehicle components flying off.
• Swerving – Oftentimes, overcorrecting by swerving to avoid the road debris can actually increase the severity of the crash.
• Timing – Did you know that debris-based collisions happen more frequently in the morning or afternoon? That is because this is the time when people are more likely to move heavy items like furniture.

Preventing Car Damage from Road Debris

What steps can you take to prevent car damage from road debris? There are actually a few simple ways to lower the chance of road debris damage. 

• Always Scan Ahead – Be on the lookout for potential issues that could cause a collision. Always being a diligent driver will ensure that if you do come in contact with road debris, you will have plenty of time to react and avoid it.
• Do Not Follow Too Closely – Making sure that you have at least a 3 to 4 second following distance behind the vehicle in front of you gives you time to identify and react to any road debris in front of you.
• Navigate Around the Road Debris – When you are always aware of your surroundings, you will have plenty of time to navigate around any road debris that you encounter on Inglewood roads. Slow down as soon as you see any road debris, but don’t slam on your brakes. If you brake quickly, the car behind you may not have time to react, which could lead to a collision.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings – If you can, make sure that there is also space on at least one side of your vehicle so you have an “escape route” in case there is large road debris in your path.

Turn to the Experts at Eli’s Collision Repair

If road debris was unavoidable and you are now dealing with car damage from road debris, the team at Eli’s Collision Repair is here to help. Contact us today for more information, or get an estimate from our experts.