The Dangers of a Tire Blowout
Imagine you are driving down the road when suddenly you hear a loud noise and a thud, thud, thud. The thud, thud, thud is the sound of a tire after a blowout. A blowout is when a tire suddenly loses air. It can be scary and even deadly if it causes an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2017, a total of 738 people died on the road in tire-related crashes. Before your family ventures on the road this summer, review the below information about tire blowouts. This article explains causes of blowouts and what to do if a blowout occurs.
We hope these tips help to keep you safe. However, if another party injures you or a loved one because of a tire blowout, seek medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, you should seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accidents. A personal injury lawyer will assist you with dealing with the insurance company and getting you compensation to pay for your medical bills. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000
What Is a Tire Blowout?
According to the NHTSA, a tire blowout is a rapid loss of tire air pressure that can cause a vehicle to lose control. A blowout can happen suddenly. The driver may hear a loud noise of the tire popping and then hear the sound of air escaping from the tire. Finally, the driver may hear the sound of the tire flapping as it hits the road.
COVID-19 has caused a dramatic shift in life and activities for Nevadans. It can be easy to forget about driving emergencies and regular vehicle maintenance. Tire blowout season runs from May through October. This is the time when blowouts frequently occur. As Nevada begins to reopen, more cars will be on the road. It is important you understand how to handle a blowout on the road this summer.
What Causes a Tire Blowout?
Tire blowouts can be caused by a failure to inspect the tires regularly and a failure to properly maintain the tires. Factors that can contribute to a tire blowout include:
- Defective tires
- Underinflated or overinflated tires
- Overuse of the tire
- Hot weather causing the tires to overinflate
- Driving over potholes
- Punctures or abrasions from road hazards
- Wear and tear of the tire
- Low tire tread depth
- Tires that are mismatched or not the proper size for the vehicle
- Extreme weather conditions
- Bulges, blisters, or cracks in the sidewall
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How to Avoid a Blowout
Before we look at these tire maintenance tips, let’s also think about the many ways accidents can happen – and when it’s not your fault you’ll need an experienced car accident lawyer to help you gain maximum compensation. Some people may think they don’t need a car accident lawyer, or that a lawyer is too expensive. Since we work on a contingency basis, we don’t get paid until you do. Call us now and have us schedule your free case analysis: (702) 857-6000.
It is not always possible to avoid a blowout. However, proper tire maintenance can lessen the chances of a blowout occurring. The NHTSA provides the following advice regarding tire maintenance.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Proper tire pressure is an essential part of tire maintenance. It impacts safety and durability. Tire pressure also impacts fuel consumption and costs drivers money. Check the tire pressure at least once a month. Remember to check the spare tire as well. Check tire pressure when the tires are “cold.” Cold means the tires haven’t been driven for at least three hours.
All vehicles that are 2008 or newer are required to come equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). A TPMS continuously monitors the pressure in the tires through sensors. The TPMS symbol will appear on the dashboard to warn the driver when tire pressure is below the minimum acceptable level. If the TPMS symbol appears the driver should immediately inspect their tires and tire pressure.
Check Tire Tread
Check tire tread at least once a month (just like tire pressure). Tire tread keeps the vehicle safe on wet or icy roads. It provides the vehicle’s gripping action and traction. Replace tires when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. Do not drive on tires with worn tread. It is not safe.
Ensure Proper Balance and Alignment
Have a qualified technician balance your tires and perform a wheel alignment. Balance and alignment are essential to vehicle safety.
Abide by Recommended Tire Rotation Schedule
Rotating the vehicle’s tires can help reduce irregular wear. Irregular wear shortens the life of the tires and affects fuel efficiency.
Check the vehicle’s manual regarding tire rotation. The manual will provide instructions on how often the tires should be rotated and the best pattern for rotation. A common recommendation is to rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
Use the Correct Tire Size for the Vehicle
When purchasing new tires, ensure the tires are the size recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The owner’s manual will provide this information. A tire dealer can also provide advice on the correct size tire for the vehicle.
Even if you properly maintain your vehicle an accident can still happen. If you are a victim in a tire blowout accident that is not your fault, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers provides expert representation to make sure you get maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
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What to Do in a Tire Blowout Situation
A blowout can be scary and can throw a vehicle out of control. But it is possible to safely handle a blowout. In any situation, it is important to stay calm and not overreact. Do not slam on the brakes. Do not abruptly remove your foot from the accelerator. Maintain proper control of the vehicle with the following tips from NHTSA:
- Hold the steering wheel with both hands.
- Maintain vehicle speed if possible and safe.
- Gradually release the accelerator.
- Correct the steering as necessary to stabilize the vehicle and regain control. The driver should look where they want the vehicle to go and steer in that direction.
- Once the vehicle has stabilized, continue to slow down and pull off the road. Pull off in a safe manner to a safe spot.
A blowout may feel different depending on whether it is the front or rear tire. A front tire blowout may affect the vehicle’s steering. A rear tire blowout may affect how the seat or the body of the vehicle feels.
A blowout can be scary and dangerous. It can cause serious injuries if not handled properly.
Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
Has a tire blowout accident injured you? Was it the fault of someone else? If so, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can give you legal advice and help you protect your rights. Our Las Vegas legal team understands that being a car accident victim can be one of the most difficult things you will ever face. As you deal with injuries and wonder how to navigate the system, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer with a background in handling car accident cases.
Our personal injury lawyers handle all types of motor vehicle accident cases including: car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bus accidents. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation. Our office is located in Henderson and we work with clients all over the Las Vegas area.
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