Statistics:
- About 20% of motor vehicle crash deaths result from a vehicle leaving the roadway and hitting a fixed object alongside the road.
- Trees, utility poles, and traffic barriers are the most common objects struck.
- About 12,600 people died in fixed- or other-object collisions in 2021
Fixed-object collision: Example
- Failing to notice – and hitting — a stop sign at an intersection.
- Unintentionally veering off the road on a foggy morning and colliding with a tree.
- Striking a traffic signal pole due to faulty brakes.
- Failing to heed a backing camera warning and hitting a mailbox in a poorly lit area.
- Misjudging the gas island position and striking a gas pump.
Fixed object collision: Causes
Agencies work to reduce crash potential when vehicles leave the roadway. Still, drivers should be prepared and alert. Some driver factors that cause vehicles to leave the road include:
- Attempts to avoid other vehicles
- Driver inattention • Drowsiness
- Impairment • Speeding
Fixed-object collision: Prevention
Stay alert and focused on driving. Continuously scan the road ahead as well as rearview and side mirrors.
Avoid roadway departures. Heed signs warning drivers to slow down; enter curves slowly; refrain from crossing solid yellow lines; and reduce speed before entering an exit/entrance ramp.
Match speed to conditions. For example, on dry pavement at speeds up to 50 MPH, maintain a minimum 3-second following distance.
Increase distance when:
- Traction and visibility are reduced
- Another driver is trying to pass
- Following a large vehicle with limited rear vision
- Following a large vehicle that’s blocking the view • Following motorcycles
