Loose chippingsItaly
Traffic rules
Italy
1. Loose chippings
Loose chippings are small stones or gravel lying on the road surface, often after roadworks or surface treatment. They can reduce tyre grip, increase braking distance and be thrown into the air by passing vehicles, potentially damaging windscreens or other vehicles. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance and avoid sudden acceleration, braking or steering. Extra space should also be kept from other vehicles where loose stones may be projected from their tyres.
What are loose chippings?
Loose chippings are small stones or pieces of gravel lying loose on the road surface, often after resurfacing or road maintenance.
Why are loose chippings dangerous?
Loose stones can reduce tyre grip and vehicle control and may be thrown into the air by tyres, potentially damaging windscreens or other vehicles.
How should you drive on loose chippings?
Reduce speed, increase your following distance and avoid sudden acceleration, braking or steering. Keep additional space from other vehicles where stones may be thrown up by their tyres.
Can loose chippings increase stopping distance?
Yes. Loose material between the tyres and road can reduce available grip, making braking and steering less effective.
Why are loose chippings common after roadworks?
Some road-surfacing methods use a layer of small stone aggregate. Until the material settles or excess stones are removed, loose chippings may remain on the surface.
Can loose chippings damage a vehicle?
Yes. Stones thrown up by tyres can cause chips or cracks in windscreens, headlights and vehicle paintwork.
