On Monday we wrote about a tragic car accident caused by a blown tire. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tire blowouts caused 414 deaths and 78,392 traffic accidents in 2003. Here are some ways that you can avoid blowing a tire on the road (and avoid causing a fatal car accident or a rollover accident).
- Improper inflation. If your tires have either too much or too little air in them, it could cause a blowout. Overinflated tires strain the rubber, making tires more susceptible to bursting. If tires are underinflated, the rotating tires create excessive heat, which can lead to blowouts. Check your vehicle’s manual to see how much air your tires need.
- Poor treads. Tires with low or worn treads are dangerous for many reasons. You lose traction on the road, which can be especially dangerous in stormy or snowy weather. A thin tread is also a signal that your tire is growing old and liable to blow at a slight provocation.
- Road hazards. If you know that a road is in severe disrepair, consider a different route. Deep potholes and speed bumps can cause tire blowouts, especially at high speeds.
- Defective manufacturing and installation. If your tire blows, it is possible that a manufacturer is responsible for a defect, or an auto mechanic could have improperly installed the tire. Still, it is a good idea to inspect your tires for unusual signs or defects every month or two.
- Heavy cargo. In both trucks and cars, vehicles that exceed their weight limits risk blowing their tires and causing accidents.
Did another vehicle’s blown tire cause a car crash, or was a faulty repair or installation to blame for your own blown tire? Call us at no charge – (615) 866-3938 – to see if you could take action against a guilty party for injury or damage.
“Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written,”You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”’” – Matthew 4:7.