Tire Blowouts: Causes, Dangers and Safety Tips
Driving alongside an 18-wheeler on the highway can be scary enough, but what would you do if that big rig suddenly had a tire blowout? A tire blowout is not the same thing as a flat tire – when a tire blows out, it completely explodes. That means this giant tractor-trailer could go from stable to a dangerous, speeding weapon in a matter of seconds. Any vehicle near a truck is automatically in danger and it can be hard to predict what type of hazard they may need to avoid: flying tire treads, a swerving 18-wheeler that could overturn at any second, or even hazardous material on the roadway if the truck does overturn and loses its cargo.
What causes these terrifying truck tire blowouts to happen in the first place? Common reasons for tractor-trailer tire blowouts can be because of the driver’s lack of care, inexperience, or even due to forces beyond the driver’s control.
Typical Tire Blowout Causes
- Poor maintenance – It is up to trucking companies to keep a regular maintenance schedule, ensuring their vehicles meet certain safety requirements and are fit to be driven and transport materials. If a company does not take its maintenance obligations seriously, the fleet can quickly deteriorate and put other drivers in danger every time a semi hits the road.
- Improper tire inflation – When a truck’s tires are over-inflated or under-inflated, they are not safe. An over-inflated tire puts too much pressure on the tire itself and can bring it to the point of exploding. An under-inflated tire can explode when heat fills the empty space inside and causes the air to expand.
- Roadway hazards – Sometimes, even when a trucking company keeps their trucks properly maintained and follows all of the rules, a truck can still have a tire blowout. If a road is in disrepair, has potholes, or the pavement is uneven, tires can be damaged.
Where to Turn for Help If You’re Injured
There are even more reasons that a truck tire blowout can occur, so if you’ve been the victim of a truck accident caused by a tire blowout, it may be in your best interest to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. Take a look at some of Attorney Steve Lee’s case results and see how he’s been able to help injury victims just like you.