Charleston Drivers- Look out for Loose Asphalt on I-26
South Carolina car accident lawyers want you to know that when you are behind the wheel on the interstate it is imperative that you are cautious and alert. Interstate 26 eastbound towards Charleston has been reported to have “hail storms,” of deteriorating asphalt. Drivers need to be aware of this situation and be prepared for any flying loose debris. These storms can cause serious Charleston car accidents that could result in death, but should this really be an added responsibility drivers need to endure?
Rocks and loose gravel cause accidents in South Carolina and damage to cars every year. When a car is traveling around or at the speed limit, a loose rock popping the windshield can startle drivers, especially inexperienced drivers or elderly drivers. Many times loose asphalt cracks windshields and alters or even worse prohibits the drivers ability to see the road.
When leaving the Charleston area the stretch of asphalt on I-26 westbound is around ten years old, which is the “end of its life cycle,” Michael Black, district maintenance engineer for the South Carolina Department of Transportation expressed. So what is going to be done you may ask?
$6.35 million dollars of taxpayer money will be used to resurface these poorly paved and engineered roads. The resurfacing will encompass the area of I-26 between the Summerville exit to the newer concrete sections in North Charleston. Unfortunately, the resurfacing cannot begin until temperatures rise. For many locals this is not soon enough.
Right Choice Auto Glass’s owner Brian Gresh reported an increase in the amount of windshield repairs he has seen due to the deteriorating asphalt on I-26. Many locals are becoming so frustrated with the rock “hail storms” that they refuse to drive on portions of I-26. “I got another chip. My husband said he’s not going on I-26 anymore because of it,”local Dena Toth stated after expressing her annoyance of having to replace her car windshield twice already in the past year due to the rock storms kicked up by passing motorists.
What if your windshield is cracked during a I-26 rock storm? You can visit the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s office to receive insurance claim forms and compensation information. You will not likely be responsible for paying to replace your windshield, due to the state’s deficiency.
Source: The Post and Courier- “I-26 Rocks, Which Annoys Motorists”January 19, 2010.
