Study: 200,000 Crashes In U.S. Linked To Road Debris

By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Road debris: Just how dangerous can it be? A new study takes a look.

Kenny, from Chester, takes I-95 a lot and he says seeing and trying to avoid road debris is part of the routine.

"A lot of bumpers on cars or boxes falling off trucks in the middle of the road. I see that a lot."

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 200,000 car crashes in the U.S. have been linked to road debris in the last four years; 39,000 injuries, 500 deaths.

To stay safe and keep others safe, AAA says drivers need to make sure their tires aren't badly worn or underinflated to reduce blowout risk, properly secure cargo on the roof, and scan ahead on the road so debris doesn't surprise you.

And one piece of advice from Kenny, "Do not tailgate anyone. Whether they have cargo or not, tailgate no one!"