Car accidents can occur due to a multitude of reasons, from human error to adverse weather conditions. However, one common but often neglected cause is the condition of our tires. It is easy to overlook their importance, but these small, seemingly insignificant components play a crucial role in ensuring our safety on the roads.
In this post, we will uncover the role of tires in car accidents, investigating the factors that contribute to their failure, and advising on the best ways to maintain them.
Two Most Common Tire Failures
Tires are one of the most crucial components of any vehicle. They play a critical role in providing adequate traction, stability, and safety on the road. Unfortunately, tire failures are a common occurrence that can lead to catastrophic consequences. In a situation where this happens, it helps to have a Whitley Law car accident lawyer on your side, to determine what to do next following your accident.
Among the various types of tire failures, two stand out as the most prevalent: blowouts and wear and tear.
Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts can be a serious safety hazard for any driver on the road. These unexpected events can occur due to a range of factors, including worn-out or improperly inflated tires, punctures from road debris, or sudden changes in temperature. Blowouts can dramatically decrease a driver’s ability to control their vehicle, leading to dangerous and potentially fatal crashes.
Therefore, it is crucial for drivers to regularly check their tires’ condition and pressure, as well as avoid any road hazards and extreme weather conditions that may increase the risk of a blowout. Proper maintenance and precautions can make all the difference when it comes to preventing tire blowouts and promoting safer driving.
Worn Out Tires
Maintaining proper tire tread is crucial to ensure a safe driving experience, as worn tires can have a significant impact on vehicle stability and control. Thin or balding tires offer less grip, which increases the likelihood of skidding, sliding, and losing control on the road. This issue becomes even more severe in wet conditions, where hydroplaning can occur.
Hydroplaning happens when a layer of water forms between the tire and the road surface, causing loss of traction and unpredictable skidding. It’s essential to check your tire’s tread depth regularly and invest in new ones as needed to prevent unexpected accidents and ensure a smooth and stable ride on the road.
Tire Defects Can Cause Catastrophic Accidents
Tire defects are a common cause of catastrophic collisions on roads and highways across the world. Here are some of the most common causes of accidents stemming from your tires.
Loss of Control
When a tire explodes or blows out unexpectedly, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a single-vehicle crash or multi-car collision. The consequences of such accidents can be devastating, ranging from minor injuries to fatalities. The defective tire may cause the car to skid, swerve, spin, or even roll over, leaving drivers and passengers vulnerable to serious injuries. A proactive approach to tire maintenance can reduce the risk of tire-related accidents and ensure safety on the road.
Rollovers
Rollover accidents are a dangerous and deadly occurrence on the roadways. Often resulting from a sudden, sharp turn, these accidents happen when a vehicle tips over onto its roof or side. Unfortunately, these types of accidents often have a tragic outcome due to the high fatality rate associated with them.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover accidents have the highest fatality rate compared to any other type of vehicle crash. Tire defects and failures can contribute to the occurrence of these events, which can result in devastating injuries or even death. It is imperative that drivers take proper precautions and maintain their vehicle’s tires to help prevent the occurrence of these accidents.
Off the Road Driving
Defective tires can have catastrophic consequences for drivers, their passengers, and bystanders. When a tire fails, a vehicle can easily lose control, veering off the road or crossing into oncoming traffic. These situations are particularly perilous on high-speed highways, where head-on collisions can be deadly.
In fact, head-on collisions are some of the most lethal types of accidents, due to the immense force and impact at play. Drivers must take proactive steps to ensure their tires are in proper working order, such as regularly checking tire pressure and tread depth, and replacing tires when necessary.
Signs of Defective Tires
Tire maintenance is often overlooked by vehicle owners and drivers, which can lead to serious safety hazards on the road. Especially because a large majority of drivers are not taking tire maintenance seriously.
However, there is an easy way to check your tires’ tread and ensure they are safe for the road. The penny test is a simple method that involves inserting a penny into the tire’s tread. If you can see the majority of the penny or the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tire.
On the other hand, if the penny goes in most of the way and you cannot see Lincoln’s head, your tire is likely still in good shape. Regularly performing this test is crucial for ensuring optimal safety on the road.
Make Sure Your Tires in Tact!
In conclusion, it is crucial to ensure that your tires are in good condition before hitting the road. Proper tire maintenance not only improves the performance and lifespan of your tires but also enhances the safety of your vehicle. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure a smoother, safer, and more cost-effective driving experience.
