How Common Is It for Cars to Be Hit by Stones on the Highway?
4 Answers
It is quite common because the high speed of vehicles on the highway makes them susceptible to being hit by flying stones. Here are some additional precautions for driving on the highway: 1. Pre-trip vehicle inspection: Before driving, the driver should conduct a comprehensive check of the vehicle, with particular attention to various fluids, tires, and the braking system. 2. Adjust the rearview mirrors: When the rearview mirrors are in the optimal position, they allow the driver to better observe the sides and rear of the vehicle. Note that the adjustment methods for the left and right mirrors are slightly different. 3. Adjust the seat: A proper seating position can help the driver reduce fatigue during long-distance high-speed driving and ensure that the seating posture does not hinder the handling of emergencies. 4. Check the onboard tools: Onboard tools may rarely be used in daily driving, but they can be very useful in emergencies. 5. Pay attention to highway entrances: There are very strict requirements when entering the highway entrance ramp, including prohibitions on overtaking, making U-turns, stopping, and reversing.
As a veteran long-haul driver, I can tell you that encountering stones hitting your car on the highway is quite common. Over the past five years, I've experienced stones hitting the hood or windshield several times on almost every long trip. Once, a small crack even appeared on the windshield, costing me over 2,000 yuan to replace. This mainly happens because high speeds on the highway cause stones kicked up by truck tires to fly far and hit with great force. The risk is especially high on busy main roads or after rain when water accumulates on the road surface, making stones more likely to be flung into the air. Statistics show that the probability of this happening is quite high on congested routes. Therefore, I recommend keeping a safe distance from large trucks and regularly applying protective film to safeguard your car's paint and windshield.
In the field of car maintenance, I've seen quite a few cases of damage caused by stones, which is quite common on highways. Every week, I come across several cars with cracked windshields or small dents on the body, and the owners all say it's from stones hitting them at high speeds. The highest risk is when following trucks carrying sand or gravel, as stones can bounce up and instantly damage the glass. In terms of frequency, accidents are more likely to happen on national highways with many trucks or newly built road sections. For protection, I recommend car owners choose glass with anti-stone coatings and purchase full insurance coverage; at the same time, keeping a safe distance when driving can reduce the chance of being hit. Remembering these small tips can save a lot on repair costs.
As a new driver, I was worried about stones damaging my car when I first drove on the highway. Many friends told me it happens occasionally but there's no need to panic. For example, following too closely or driving through gravel areas on the highway might lead to flying stones scratching the paint or breaking the windshield—a friend of mine had this happen last year. Personally, I don't think the frequency is extremely high, but the risk does exist. So I've learned to maintain a safe distance and regularly check my car's condition, which has given me much more peace of mind.
