“Safety Impacts of Pavement Edge Drop-Offs,” a report recently unveiled by the AAA Foundation examined the prevalence and related crash risk of rural roads that have a substantial difference between the pavement surface and the unpaved shoulder. 

The report issues recommendations to state and federal agencies for addressing safety hazards posed by drop-offs, and informs individuals of best practices while driving. To safely recover after driving off the road, the report suggests that drivers slow down, not panic and gradually reenter traffic.

Using the research findings, the AAA Foundation developed a companion brochure “Over the Edge and Back: What to do if you drive off the pavement edge.” This brochure is available on-line at www.aaafoundation.org, or by calling (800) 305-SAFE.