JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Air Education and Training Command recently lost a family member when a loose tow hitch detached from a vehicle and became a deadly projectile. The object broke through the windshield of the trailing vehicle, instantly killing the young passenger.
“This heartbreaking tragedy serves as a stark reminder how unsecured items and debris on the road can lead to devastating outcomes,” said Robbie Bogard, AETC Occupational Safety chief. “What’s sad about a situation like this is the military family was doing everything right: driving the speed limit, not driving distracted or under the influence, and all occupants wore their seat belts. But you can’t really prepare when an object being transported falls off a vehicle and basically turns into a lethal missile.”
Commuters have fallen victim to rocks, tree branches, 2x4s, metal pipes, crowbars, tires, hitches, luggage, groceries, coolers, furniture, appliances and others unsecured items.
CNN reported on a 29-year-old driver who lost his life when a piece of scrap metal from the truck in front of him crashed through his windshield. In that same report, they told the story of a 24-year-old woman who was nearly decapitated by some particle board that broke through her windshield. Miraculously, she survived, but the flying debris crushed every bone in her face, leaving her blinded for life.
During a three-year period, police reported 200,000 crashes blamed on flying debris or objects on the road, according to the American Automobile Association’s AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. These mishaps resulted in more than 39,000 injuries and nearly 500 deaths, the AAA said.
Most of these loose-object-turned-projectile accidents occur on interstate highways. The scary part is when a 10-pound object flies off a moving vehicle traveling at 70 mph, it can generate a G-force of 1,200-plus pounds upon impact. That’s roughly in the weight range of an adult buffalo! And it’s hard to dodge a speeding “missile” at close range. But even if drivers see an object coming at them and attempt to move out of its path, there’s this grim stat from the AAA: Nearly 37 percent of all deaths in road debris crashes resulted from the driver swerving to avoid hitting an object.
“The light at the end of the tunnel,” Bogard said, “is most of these mishaps are totally preventable. Take that extra moment to secure those loads and unsecured objects. That small time investment can save a lot of heartache. It literally can mean the difference between life and death.”
CRITICAL LESSONS FOR PREVENTING PROJECTILE-RELATED MISHAPS
1. Maintain Your Vehicle: Badly worn or underinflated tires often suffer blowouts that can leave pieces of tire on the roadway. Exhaust systems and the hardware that attach to the vehicle can also rust and corrode, causing mufflers and other parts to drag and eventually break loose.
2. Perform Periodic Inspections: Regularly inspect your vehicle and any equipment or accessories, such as roof racks, trailer hitches or cargo carriers. Ensure everything is in good condition and capable of safely securing your load.
3. Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself: Before every trip, thoroughly check that your cargo is secured, whether using a tow hitch, roof rack, trailer or just a truck bed. Ensure all items are fastened tightly with appropriate tie-downs, straps or nets.
4. Properly Secure Loads: Always secure more oversized items, such as furniture or building materials, per the manufacturer or expert guidance. Use bungee cords, ratchet straps or other fastening tools to prevent movement.
5. Limit Loads and Distribute Weight: Overloading your vehicle or unevenly distributing weight increases the chances of objects shifting or falling out. Always follow your vehicle’s recommended load capacity, and ensure items are evenly placed and balanced.
6. Use Safety Chains and Backup Measures: When transporting trailers or oversized items, use backup measures like safety chains or secondary straps. These precautions can prevent load detachment if primary securing devices fail.
7. Stay Vigilant on the Road: Stay aware of your driving surroundings, especially when following vehicles carrying large or unsecured loads. Maintain a safe distance (no tailgating!), and always be prepared to react quickly if something falls off.