Different Kinds of Road Defects

Many car accidents happen because of the driver’s fault. The cause may be understandable errors, such as failing to negotiate a turn, or completely unacceptable ones, such as intentionally driving while drunk. But there are also instances where car accidents occur because of third parties.
Some of these instances involve road defects, and the parties that can be at fault are construction companies who are responsible for the design and construction of the road or jurisdictions who are responsible for the maintenance of the roads in their areas. According to the website www.mazininjurylawyers.com, those who have been injured because of road defects may get compensation from the responsible parties.
Of course, preventing accidents is still the more attractive choice compared to getting compensation for the damages. To prevent accidents, the first step is to know the possible road defects that can cause them.

Design Defects

Design defects are design issues that make the road more dangerous than what it should be. Below are some of the most common road design defects:

• Absence of road and warning signs
• Absence of traffic lights
• Dangerously sharp curves and turns, especially on elevated roads
• Little to no road shoulder
• Overly narrow lanes
• Ungraded curves and turns

Construction Defects

Even if the road has good design, it may still be dangerous because of poor construction techniques, such as the use of inadequate materials.

• Poor drainage system, resulting into water buildup
• Poor pavement, resulting into roads that can easily sustain cracks and potholes
• Structural problems on bridges, freeways, ramps, and other connectors

Maintenance Defects

Roads should be maintained so they are always in great condition. Failing to maintain roads may result into defects that may put motorists at risk.

• Debris on the road
• Defective traffic lights
• Faded white and yellow lines
• Foliage buildup
• Poor lighting
• Unreadable road and warning signs