Tire blowouts can be a very frightening moment for all those involved, especially if a driver does not know how to properly handle the situation. Tire blowouts are also another cause of serious car accidents.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety Crash Facts recorded more than 290,000 auto collisions throughout the state, of these more than 130 were believed to have occurred when a motorist was operating the vehicle with defective equipment or failed to control the vehicle. A tire blowout is the rapid loss of inflation pressure of a tire causing an explosion. There can be many causes of a tire blow out and thus they are often a cause of car accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that may have been caused by a tire blowout, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and expenses, property damage, lost wages, and more.Causes Of A Tire Blowout
Although advancements in technology have aided in preventing a tire blowout, this type of incident is still something all motorists should be concerned about. Proper tire maintenance is a great way to avoid a tire blow out, however it is never a guarantee that the event could not still occur. Some other common causes of a tire blow out include:- Too little tire pressure
- Tire puncture
- Loading a vehicle with more weight than the tire can handle
- Punctures
- Hitting a curb
- Old tire damage
Tire Tread Separation
Another cause of a tire blowout is tire tread separation which is when the tread of a tire is separated from the body of the tire. Some common causes of tire tread separation include- Manufacturer defects
- Overinflating the tire
- Repeatedly driving through road hazards such as uneven roads or potholes
- Excessive tire wear
- Incorrect flat repair
How To Handle A Tire Blowout
It is very important to know how to handle a tire blowout as it could prevent a serious accident from occurring. Keeping the vehicle, and yourself, under control can help you handle the situation. If you have a tire blowout, consider taking the following steps:- Do not slam on the breaks
- Do not release your foot from the accelerator immediately
- Slowly release the accelerator to slow down your speed
- If you need to switch lanes to get to the side of the road or exit the area, make sure to put on your turn signal
- Once your vehicle has slowed enough, roll the car into a safe area. Once you're off the main road you can brake lightly to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
