Look out for that Stuff on the Road! Ladders and Buckets and Coolers, Oh My!

Look out for that Stuff on the Road! Ladders and Buckets and Coolers, Oh My!

Competing with other drivers on the road today is challenging enough. Some are on their phones, others are putting on make-up and still, others have no apparent idea there are other cars around them. When you add in the cars and trucks with poorly attached loads like mattresses, ladders and other items it becomes an even more dangerous thrill ride.

Most of us have experienced near misses with items in the road including chunks of tires, coolers, trash, lumber and other potential projectiles. All this “stuff” poses some interesting questions about responsibility and liability.

Securing loads is a major factor in professional trucking. When it comes to individuals, however, some may feel that mounting a mattress on the roof of a car with some twine suffices. The fact is drivers are responsible for properly securing any item to their vehicles, including loose items in the beds of trucks. Drivers then can be held liable should an item detach and become a highway hazard. This is serious business as a larger item on the road can cause a significant accident. The problem is, a driver may not even be aware that an item fell from his vehicle. The following drivers may be far too concerned with avoiding the hazard as opposed to tracking down the offending driver.

If your car is damaged as the result an item that apparently fell from another vehicle, and you have no idea how it got there, you will be left to file a claim with your own insurance company. This even includes rock chips in your windshield resulting from a passing vehicle.

We’ve all be in a position where we’ve been faced with moving something our vehicles were not properly equipped to carry. It may have been something carried on a car roof, and oversized item in a partially open trunk or items packed into the back of a pick-up truck. Make no mistake. This is extremely risky behavior. Items falling from moving vehicles on the roads can not only cause damage, but it can also inflict lasting injuries should an accident result.

Don’t take chances. Check your auto insurance policy to make sure you are covered in case you are a victim of such an incident. You also want to avoid transporting oversized items with inadequate vehicles. If you would like a no-obligation review from our independent agents, contact us.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Read More Blogs

The Unforgettable Eight: Women Who Captured Our Hearts

Meet the eight women who are loved by all.

Elevate Your Enterprise: 11 Smart Ways to Boost Business Professionalism

Boost your business’s professionalism without breaking the bank.

Lightening the Load: A Guide to Decluttering for Your Loved Ones

Declutter for peace of mind, yours and theirs.

Smart Car Buying: Beyond the Sticker Price

Unlock the hidden costs of car ownership.

6 Simple Steps to Supercharge Your Home Security

Simple, affordable ways to protect your home.

Beyond Boredom: Unearthing the Surprising Stories Behind Our Favorite Board Games

Game night secrets revealed! Discover the surprising origins and quirky facts behind your beloved board games.

Avoiding the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes of At-Home Businesses

Launch your home business right! Learn to avoid the common errors that can derail your entrepreneurial dreams.

Your Life Insurance Recipe: Crafting the Perfect Blend for Your Family’s Future

Find your perfect life insurance mix: Learn how to blend term and permanent policies for optimal family protection.

From Ford’s Innovation to Today’s Marvel: Unveiling the Secrets of Modern Car Production

Beyond the assembly line: Discover the surprising speed, customization, and quality checks involved in modern car manufacturing.

Beyond Pizza and Promises: Recognizing When It’s Time to Hire Professional Movers

Time to call the pros? Learn when pizza and beer just won’t cut it for your next move.