Beware of Bad Roads

Bad Road

No matter how careful a driver you are, you can’t always avoid getting into a car crash – especially when it’s not your fault.

These are just a few of the types of bad roads that can lead to serious car accidents:

Clear Zone Issues – In simple terms, this means that a fixed object is creating a risk on the road. Examples: utility poles, trees, uncovered water drains, etc.

Isolated Ice Patches – These slick spots happen on roads that lack proper drainage. It doesn’t have to be raining or snowing for them
to form.

Intersection Geometry – This term is a fancy way of talking about a dangerous intersection. Examples: especially narrow roads, sharp turns that require mirrors, etc.

Oil and Chip – This is a quick fix for roads that need to be resurfaced. The longer the oil and chip sits, the more likely it will become a slippery surface.

Positive Guidance – This is the way to describe the problem of curvy roads with poor signage or streets with bad line striping.

Shoulder Drop-Off – A shoulder drop-off means the shoulder of the road (part of the road outside the white line to your right) sits two or more inches below the regular road surface. A berm drop-off refers to an especially steep drop.

"Slippery When Wet" Sign – It may sound plain and simple, but this sign indicates a serious risk of skidding and hydroplaning – sliding on water. It also means that the road was tested to prove that fact.

Wheel Ruts – These grooves occur on roads that haven’t been resurfaced in a long time. Ruts form due to the repeated stress of tire weight and harsh weather.

Work Zones – Sometimes a work area can be very dangerous. Drivers should be especially careful when going through a work zone and watch out for cones, signs, and other construction hazards like shifting lanes or uneven roads.

Potholes – Potholes are big chunks of missing blacktop and asphalt. These can lead to serious wrecks and make car accidents much worse than they might be without them. Learn more about notifying the state or local government about potholes in Pennsylvania.

Did Bad Roads Cause Your Accident?

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident because of dangerous road conditions, don’t assume that it was your fault. You may have a case.

Contact Edgar Snyder & Associates right away. Our car accident attorneys have experience proving cases where water, ice patches, or any bad road condition had an impact.

We’ll stand up against the government – or whoever is at fault – and get you the money you deserve.