In the summer, it’s no secret that the roads in Kentucky and Ohio need work due to the hot-and-cold temperatures throughout the fall and winter months. Potholes, cracks and other issues result in construction that closes down lanes of traffic and results in congested roads.
One of the things that can be a significant danger to drivers, whether they’re in cars or on motorcycles, is loose gravel. When new roads are laid or when construction takes place, gravel, dust and other loose debris cover the roads. This debris is a serious risk. Here are a few things to look out for when construction is going on in the area.
1. Loose debris
Loose debris includes gravel, larger rocks, shredded tires and other items that may collect on the sides of the road or in the lanes themselves. It’s common to see shredded tires that have been left on the side of the road near construction zones in Ohio and Kentucky, because there are few places to pull over to get them out of the way.
While a driver in a car may be able to drive over this debris without much trouble, larger debris can cause a motorcyclist to wipe out completely. Sometimes, drivers in trucks or cars drive over the larger items just to find that their tires blow out or that the items damage their vehicles.
2. Gravel
Gravel is a danger, especially when the road is not in a straight line. In areas like Cincinnati and on the way to Lexington or Louisville, curves are typical as the roads wrap around the hills. Loose gravel in these locations makes taking a curve too quickly an extreme risk that could result in a motorcyclist or other motor vehicle driver sliding out of his or her lane or losing control.
3. Cones and road markings
Another thing that makes driving complicated in the summer construction months is the use of different road markings and cones to migrate traffic into different lanes. Sometimes, the marks aren’t clear, which can mean that a driver ends up in the wrong lane or in the construction area itself. Cones sometimes get hit and end up in lane, which is a serious hazard to anyone who approaches them.
If you’re involved in a crash because you hit debris from a construction zone that has moved into your lane or because another driver was moving too quickly for safety, you may be able to file a claim for compensation.