I-35 Road Debris in San Antonio: How Truckers Can Stay Safe

What happened

I-35 road debris in San Antonio is a daily worry for drivers. KSAT talked with local drivers on Sept. 28, 2026. They said junk in the lanes is a constant hazard on I-35 and other highways in the area.

One driver said he has barely missed ladders, couches, car doors, dog crates and tools on I-35. Mattresses came up too.

TxDOT told KSAT what it does about it. The agency pays for weekly sweeping and debris removal across San Antonio. It also sweeps spots as needed and picks up litter twice a month. TxDOT takes care of more than 11,000 lane miles in the San Antonio region.

TxDOT said the best fix is stopping litter before it hits the road. Drivers can report debris on TxDOT's website so crews know where to go.

The report did not give numbers on crashes or debris calls.

What it means for owner-operators

For a car, a ladder in the lane is scary. For a loaded truck, it can be worse. You cannot stop fast or swerve hard with 80,000 pounds behind you. A sudden move can put you into another lane or off the road.

Debris can also hurt your truck. A strike can crack a windshield, cut a tire, punch a fuel tank or tear up an air line. Any of those can put you on the shoulder, out of service, and losing money.

There is a second side. Loads that are not tied down well are one way junk ends up on the road. If something falls off your truck and hits someone, that is a problem for you.

This is not only a San Antonio issue. I-35 runs from Laredo to Minnesota, and debris shows up on busy highways everywhere.

What to do next

• Keep extra space in front of you. More following distance gives you time to see debris and slow down.
• Look far ahead, not just at the car in front of you.
• If you cannot safely avoid an object, slow down in your lane. A hard swerve can be more dangerous than the hit.
• Check your own load and straps at every stop. Tarps, chains and loose gear can end up on the road.
• Report debris to TxDOT so crews can clear it.
• After a strike, pull over when it is safe. Check tires, tanks, lines and lights. Take photos.
• Know what your policy covers before something happens. Our guide to trucking insurance coverage explained shows the difference between liability and physical damage.

Questions about protecting your truck? Call TCZ Insurance Agency at 956-526-6727.