While people are typically on the lookout for pedestrians and other vehicles while on the road, debris is another significant hazard that drivers have to look out for.
In fact, road debris has caused some serious accidents and tragedies, and there’s even been a spike in these instances over the years.
“Stanky Legg” rapper OhBoyPrince highlighted the issue during a sit-down with Justin Carter for TSR Investigates.
Earlier this year, while driving on Interstate 30 near Dallas, Texas, a brake pad flew off of an 18-wheeler and hit him in the face after crashing through his windshield.
OhBoyPrince shared exclusive details about the incident with TSR Teens Director Taylor Bickham earlier this year.
During his new chat with Justin Carter, OhBoyPrince acknowledged, “We didn’t even know what it was.”
Ultimately, the massive brake pad slammed between the rapper’s nose and upper lip before landing in a car seat in the back, which usually would have held his 3-year-old son.
“What it did was fracture my whole face.”
As a result of his experience, OhBoyPrince says he’s always on extra alert when on the road.
“Anytime I see anything, [even] a bag flying in the air, I be ready to just swerve from out the way. ‘Cause, man, I never even knew it was that serious on the highway.”
While OhBoyPrince’s story is harrowing, he’s lucky to be alive, as similar accidents have claimed thousands of lives nationwide.
According to a AAA study, debris caused more than 200,000 crashes in the U.S. between 2011 and 2014. These incidents caused 39K injuries and over 500 deaths, which signaled a 40% increase since 2001.
Ultimately, AAA spokesperson Montrae Waiters tells TSR Investigates, “The most important thing about all this is that it can be preventable.”
Waiters adds, “You are responsible on that roadway if you’re hauling things and you don’t have it properly secured.”
Nonetheless, accountability can be tricky when cameras aren’t involved. While other drivers’ poor decisions are out of people’s control, maintaining distance between cars is one way to help with having sufficient time to react.
Check out the full episode of TSR Investigates down below.
