Donna Chang (not her real name) was driving on the interstate Wednesday morning when a 16-inch section of steel guardrail was kicked up by a semi-tractor trailer and flung toward her windshield.

Fortunately for Donna, the foot-long piece of metal hit the front of her car instead the glass. At 70 mph, the jagged shard of steel could have easily fractured her windshield, if not shattering it. As you can see, the damage was extensive:

How often do we drive behind vehicles with loose objects on the highway and not think of it? A weed-whacker from a lawn mowing company, a microwave from a college student moving apartments: any object can be dangerous on the road, and potentially lethal at interstate speeds.

How can you guard against this multi-thousand dollar damage to your vehicle and person? Simple: allow for space between you and a vehicle with potentially loose objects. Whenever you see an open flatbed or trailer with objects roped down, that’s your cue to put several extra seconds of space between them and you.

Examples include:

• Ladders
• Furniture
• Lawn equipment
• Appliances
• Lumber

According to crash reports in 2014, the probability of death skyrockets once you pass 55 mph. Why? Because you’re going too fast to swerve.

Deaths in fixed object crashes by speed limit, 2014
Speed limit	Deaths	%
≤35 mph	1,957	26
40-50 mph	2,007	27
55+ mph	3,294	44
Total*	7,508	100
Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

So the next time you find yourself behind a flatbed trailer with objects either tied down or sitting loosely, put an extra 3-5 seconds between you. Changing lanes will put you out of harm’s way, but will allow someone else to fall into the danger zone. Do yourself and your fellow motorists a favor and create a space for safety.

This is Part Two in Leith’s Tips for Driving Safety. Check out Part One, about how to avoid a multi-car pile-up on the highway.

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