While many enjoy the new trend of staying home for their vacations, you may prefer to get away, even if it is just for day trips to the local lake or campground. Traveling on any highway requires caution and attention, and each season has its dangers, from weather to wildlife.

Since summer is the time when many people travel long distances, one hazard you may face at this time of year is unsecured cargo. Of course, a vehicle can lose its load at any time, but vacationers are often untrained in securing their loads, and objects can break free without warning, putting you and your family at risk.

Deadly flotsam and jetsam

AAA’s latest report reveals that debris in the road caused over 200,000 accidents in the United States between 2011 and 2014. Over 500 people died as a result, and 39,000 suffered injuries. When cargo comes loose and drops into the highway, you or another driver may need to swerve out of the way. This may cause you to lose control of your vehicle or collide with another vehicle. When traveling at a high rate of speed, such as on a highway, sudden motions like this can lead to disaster.

While luggage and coolers are typical items that fall into the highway in the summer, people also may fail to secure their loads when they are working construction or moving. Some of the more common, year-round debris you may see on the road includes the following:

• Furniture
• Appliances
• Vehicle parts
• Tires
• Trailers detaching from vehicles

The study AAA just released says that accidents from debris have increased 40 percent in the past few years. Drivers who fail to secure their loads risk fines in most states. However, that may seem inadequate if you or your family suffered injuries because someone else’s debris resulted in your accident.

Seeking justice

Colorado highways are dangerous enough without having to navigate around debris and falling cargo. If your accident was the result of you or another driver trying to avoid debris in the roadway, you may dwell on the unfairness of injuries inflicted because you were at the wrong place at the wrong time. You probably wonder if there is anything that can be done to bring about some sense of justice.

While you recover from your injuries, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone who would advocate for you, to stand up for your family and to speak up for your rights against insurance companies and in civil court? By contacting an attorney, you will have someone on your side who will work tirelessly toward the goal of obtaining a fair and reasonable settlement, if at all possible.