As spring quickly turns to summer, you are going to notice more drivers hauling building and landscape supplies home from big-box stores. If motorists do not own a pickup truck or trailer, they might try to strap lumber and other large items to the tops of their cars. This can be exceedingly dangerous, though.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, all drivers have a legal duty to secure the items they transport on public roadways. If a driver fails to do so, you might have a greater chance of having a catastrophic motor vehicle accident.
Flying objects
At one point or another, virtually all drivers have had a rock or another small object hit their windshields. This can be an unnerving experience, but it usually does not lead to serious consequences. If a board, pipe or another large object collides with your car, truck or SUV, though, it can shatter your windshield and seriously injure you or your passengers.
Road debris
An unsecured item does not have to hit your vehicle to be dangerous, of course. Indeed, if objects land on the road, they might pose a risk to you and other drivers. Specifically, you might run over an item in the roadway, potentially damaging your vehicle and causing you to wreck. Even taking evasive maneuvers to avoid road debris can be risky, as you can lose control when swerving on the highway.
Almost by definition, any driver who does not properly secure cargo is being unreasonable. Ultimately, because every driver has a duty to drive reasonably, you might be eligible for substantial compensation for any injuries you suffer due to unsecured loads.