Hazardous Roadways
With over 21 million licensed drivers in the State of California, we need to maintain the quality of our roadways and provide safe streets and freeways. California continues to develop its roads and freeways year round to keep up with the growing number of drivers and to provide access to newly constructed shopping centers, sports venues, businesses, and schools.
There are many hazardous roadway conditions that will put drivers and passengers at risk while traveling. Following, lists some of the hazards:
- The road- This includes the design, friction, width of the lanes, angle of curves, and wear and tear of the road itself.
- Lighting- Lighting plays a key role in night driving. Inadequate lightning makes it difficult for a driver to see other vehicles, landmarks, or pedestrians.
- Weather- Different weather conditions provide drivers with different safety risks, including slippery and icy roads, patches of black ice, heavy rain, and fog.
- Signals and signs- If traffics signals and signs are not in plain view or are blocked they may cause accidents.
- Pavement- Any substandard patches of pavement, including potholes, drop-offs, texture, and bumps can put drivers at risk.
- Road construction- During road construction debris may be strewn on the road, and lanes may be closed off without sufficient warning to drivers.
The California Department of Transportation's Division of Maintenance is responsible for maintaining the road conditions throughout the state. They have standards they must reach and regulations that they must follow regarding roads.
