Drivers report repeated windshield damage from rocks on I-95 in Georgia

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WTOC) - Drivers along I-95 in Georgia say excessive rocks on the roadway are cracking their windshields, sometimes several times.

A social media by WTOC Lead Investigator Shea Schrader asking about the issue drew nearly 300 comments.

Along parts of I-95 in Coastal Georgia, rocks are scattered across the shoulder. Drivers say the rocks are flying into windshields.

“In the two years that I’ve been back, my windshield has been cracked by rocks four times, two of which occurred last week,” said Logan Lawrence, a driver.

Lawrence says one of those cracks happened on I-95. Others happened on nearby roads, including one that came right after a repair.

“Safelite came and repaired it for me, only for it to be cracked again on the way home that very same day,” Lawrence said.

Filing claims for road debris damage

A Facebook post asking viewers to send photos of windshield damage from rocks on I-95 drew 294 comments from people reporting the same experience and dozens of photos.

“I replaced my windshield a few months ago. Our other vehicle got its third chip Tuesday afternoon on 95. It’s beyond ridiculous,” one person commented. “I drive with my windshield wipers going like I’m playing baseball between 204 and 144 exit.”

“Three windshields in 12 months. The amount of rocks that fly around is extreme!” said another.

“We [have] only been in Richmond Hill barely two years and have replaced three windshields, minimum $1,000 each. Driving on 95 is like playing flip a coin,” added another commenter.

The Georgia Department of Transportation says drivers who believe their car was damaged because of conditions on a state-maintained road can file a claim with the Georgia Department of Administrative Services Risk Management Division.

That does not automatically mean the state pays.

GDOT says the first step is determining who is responsible for that stretch of road. If the area is under an active construction contract, the driver may be directed to the contractor.

If it is a GDOT maintained roadway, DOAS decides whether to deny or pay the claim.

Lawrence says beyond the cost, the rocks also pose a safety concern.

“It sounds like a gunshot when it happens. It can be a safety issue. It can hinder your line of sight or your vision as a driver,” Lawrence said.

He says he supports growth and construction in the area but wants accountability for what ends up on the road.

“Someone needs to be held accountable for what’s falling onto our roads and what’s impacting our drivers on a day-to-day basis,” Lawrence said.