When Should I Report a Road Hazard?
As drivers, we’ve all encountered a road hazard at some point, whether it’s a deep pothole, fallen debris, or a malfunctioning traffic light. While these can seem like minor inconveniences, they can quickly become serious safety risks if they’re not addressed. Knowing when to report a road hazard is important for protecting both yourself and others on the road.
Quick reporting enables local agencies to respond promptly, reducing the likelihood of car accidents or vehicle damage.
What Counts as a Road Hazard?
A road hazard is any condition or object on a roadway that poses a risk to drivers, passengers, cyclists, or pedestrians. Hazards can appear suddenly, such as fallen tree branches after a storm, or they can develop over time, like deteriorating pavement.
Some hazards may cause inconvenience, while others can create immediate danger.
Examples include potholes large enough to damage tires, malfunctioning stoplights, missing road signs, broken guardrails, and debris from vehicles. Recognizing what qualifies as a road hazard helps drivers understand when they should take action and notify the appropriate authorities.
Why Reporting Matters
Reporting a road hazard is more than a civic duty, it’s a way to prevent accidents and injuries. A pothole may damage one vehicle today but cause a serious crash tomorrow. A broken traffic signal can confuse drivers and create dangerous intersections. By alerting local authorities, drivers play a role in maintaining safe roads for everyone.
Delays in reporting can leave hazards unaddressed for days or weeks. Since local governments often rely on citizen reports to identify issues, speaking up ensures the problem is logged and scheduled for repair.
When Should You Report a Hazard?
Of course, not every little thing requires immediate reporting, but there are certain situations that call for quick action.
The key is to assess the risk. If the hazard could cause damage, injury, or confusion, it’s best to notify authorities right away.
Situations that should prompt a report include:
- Large potholes that can damage tires or your vehicle’s suspension
- Fallen branches, rocks, or cargo obstructing travel lanes
- Malfunctioning or missing traffic lights and signs
- Standing water or ice patches creating skid risks
- Damaged barriers, guardrails, or crosswalk markings
When hazards like these are present, reporting them helps prevent accidents and ensures safer travel for everyone.
How to Report a Road Hazard
In Maryland and many other states, drivers can report road hazards through local public works departments, state transportation agencies, or non-emergency police lines.
Many municipalities also provide online reporting tools or mobile apps. If the hazard presents an immediate danger—like a downed power line or major debris—drivers should call 911 to alert emergency services.
When reporting, it’s helpful to provide as much detail as possible, including the exact location, type of hazard, and the time observed.
Clear information helps responders prioritize repairs and address the issue efficiently.
Timing and Practical Considerations
Drivers may wonder whether they should stop and report a hazard immediately or wait until they reach their destination. The answer depends on the severity of the hazard. If it poses an urgent safety threat, making the call right away is best.
For less pressing issues, drivers can safely wait until they are no longer behind the wheel. What matters most is that the hazard gets reported in a timely manner.
It’s also important to balance personal safety with civic responsibility. Stopping in the middle of a highway to report a hazard could put you at risk. Instead, wait until you are in a safe location to make the call. Reporting hazards benefits not only individual drivers but the broader community as well.
Each report enables local agencies to identify problem areas, track recurring issues, and allocate resources more effectively. Over time, consistent reporting can improve overall road conditions and reduce long-term maintenance costs. Communities rely on this feedback to maintain safe and reliable infrastructure.
At Belsky & Horowitz, LLC, we understand that road hazards may be an unavoidable part of driving, but timely reporting can make a significant difference in safety and prevention. Drivers should act when hazards threaten vehicles, pedestrians, or the flow of traffic.
Whether it’s a pothole, malfunctioning light, or debris blocking the road, taking a few moments to report the issue can help protect everyone who uses the roadway.
The next time you encounter a hazard, consider the potential risks and make the call—it’s a small effort that carries a big impact.
