Every year debris left in the road causes more than 200,000 crashes in the United States.
AAA is trying to reduce that number with a new safety campaign.
Between 2011 and 2014, road debris caused approximately 39,000 injuries and more than 500 deaths .
Experts are now calling for more drivers to be aware of the problem.
"AAA recommends drivers to take more responsibility when it comes to securing their vehicles and their loads, " says Steve Zimmerman, Field Manager at AAA.
Since 2001, AAA reports a 40 percent increase in debris on the highways and local roads.
"Items like tires, unsecured cargo like furniture and appliances, and litter are all part of the problems," said Zimmerman. " Most of the road debris comes from unsecured loads."
AAA says nearly 37 percent of all deaths in road debris crashes are a result of the driver overcorrecting at the last minute to avoid hitting an object.
"Drivers are swerving to avoid objects in the roads... causing a bad situation," he said.
But even though road debris can be extremely dangerous, most crashes are preventable.
Matt Pratt, Maintenance Coordinator at the Michigan Department of Transportation, says if there is debris in the roadway, you should call your local 911 dispatch.
"They can contact the appropriate personnel to come and remove the debris," Pratt says.
AAA says education is part of the solution to saving lives and preventing injuries.
Drivers can decrease being involved in a road debris accident by maintaining their vehicles and securing their loads.
