The Department of Transportation (DOT), as well as cities and counties, have the important responsibility of constructing our nation’s transportation system. However, many people don’t realize that it is also their responsibility to maintain our roadways for optimal safety. When the DOT, cities, and counties do not allot time and resources to maintain our roads, accidents happen and deaths occur. Consider the following roadway conditions that the DOT, city, and county are responsible for and must be held accountable:

Neglected Culverts & Ditches May Cause Accidents

Middle Georgia will likely see many rainstorms this summer. An excess of rain provides a severe threat to drivers and roadways. When roads have an abundance of water on them, hydroplaning becomes a potential problem. One of the ways the DOT, counties, and cities manage the negative effects of water on roads is by constructing or maintaining culverts and ditches. A culvert is a tunnel-like structure that carries excess water away from roads. However, when culverts and ditches are not maintained, there can be an overflow of water onto the road or street and accidents will likely occur.

Additionally, excess water is drained into detention ponds. These ponds are meant to hold the water that flows into them. But, when they are not drained properly or cleaned regularly, the water is pushed out onto nearby roads. If you notice a relatively full detention pond or a culvert that is not carrying water away from the road, contact the authorities immediately to report this life-threatening issue.

Vegetation Obstructing Your Line of Sight

Vegetation at intersections must be maintained in order to create a safe driving environment. When shrubs and plants are left to grow wild, a driver’s line of sight is hindered. This creates a very unsafe environment when drivers cannot see up ahead or around corners. Many people don’t realize that the DOT is responsible for maintaining the undergrowth of vegetation on state roads. Be aware and attentive on the roads you travel on routinely. If you notice vegetation growing wild, report the issue immediately to the DOT. This small act could save many lives in the future.

The Clark & Smith attorneys have extensive experience and success taking the DOT to court due to roadway neglect. If you’ve been in a car accident, contact us today for legal representation.