A man in Georgia experienced significant vehicle damage after hitting two cement prongs on the side of the highway. Brian Briggs was driving on I-285 in metro Atlanta when he accidentally veered into the triangular area known as the gore. This resulted in the destruction of his front and rear driver’s side tires, costing him $2,000 in repairs. When Briggs approached the Georgia Department of Transportation for reimbursement, he was told that they do not handle claims for this type of damage.
The department informed Briggs that he would need to go through the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) for any claims related to the incident. Despite the initial setback, a representative from the DOAS has reached out to Briggs and is actively working to resolve the issue.
The cement prongs that caused the damage were originally holding up a highway exit sign that had been hit by another motorist. Although the damaged sign was removed, the prongs were left in place until the location was fixed on September 23rd. Fortunately, it seems that there should be no further issues for motorists traveling in that area.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected dangers that can arise while driving on highways, even from seemingly harmless objects like cement prongs. It also highlights the importance of being cautious and aware of one’s surroundings while navigating unfamiliar roads, such as when using a GPS to find a destination.
In situations like these, it is crucial to know the proper channels for filing claims and seeking reimbursement for damages. While the Georgia Department of Transportation may not handle claims for certain types of damage, there are other avenues, such as the DOAS, that can assist motorists in resolving such issues.
Overall, this unfortunate event underscores the need for both drivers and transportation departments to prioritize safety and address potential hazards promptly to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. By staying vigilant and taking appropriate action, motorists can help ensure a safer and more secure driving experience for themselves and others on the road.
