Tire Problems Cause Accidents
Tire health is an essential part of preventing accidents. Drivers often neglect problems associated with worn or underinflated tires, leading to tire failure. Knowing what to look for to keep yourself and your family safe is vital.
Overview
Tires should be maintained optimally to avoid accidents and aid in fuel consumption. Many vehicles have under or overinflated tires or lack proper tread depth. For example, underinflated tires can experience excessive heat generation, causing wear and terminating in a blowout. This adds to the probability that an accident will happen. According to one National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, 78,392 accidents, 10,275 injuries, and 414 fatalities occurred each year before vehicles were manufactured with systems to monitor tire pressure.
Tire Problems and Crash Avoidance
On the roadway, the driver’s ability to avoid a crash is limited if a vehicle experiences a tire-related issue, such as a blowout due to low tire tread or a defective tire. For example, a vehicle with low tire tread traveling on a wet, congested roadway would have little chance of avoiding a crash, particularly with tire failure at highway speeds.
Tire Problems Associated With Accidents
The tire problems commonly considered to have a pre-crash role are:
- Tire pressure: Tire pressure that is too high or too low
- Tire damage: Damage to a tire, such as a flaw in its design or manufacture or post-manufacture damage
- Tire tread: Inadequate tire tread depth
- TPMS: Absence of a tire pressure monitoring system
Driver Impact on Crashes After Tire Problems
A driver’s impact on a crash associated with tire issues may be causative or reflect the driver’s experience. Such factors are:
- Familiarity with the vehicle: Driving a vehicle in the past gives the driver a heightened ability to control the vehicle
- Inexperienced driver: Younger or less experienced drivers significantly impact whether an accident will occur post-tire roadway problem
- Aggressive driver: Speeding, quick starts, shortstops, and tailgating have an effect on tire condition and ability to control a vehicle
Environmental Factors
Several environmental factors are considered to be considered pre-crash factors. These are:
- Wet roads
- Potholes or other road defects
- Road deterioration
- Weather conditions such as icy roads in winter
Tire Pressure
Maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the most significant factors associated with tire problems. Underinflated tires that are 25 percent of the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure were responsible for crashes 10 percent of the time. Overinflation by 25 percent accounted for 7 percent of tire-related crashes.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation Act, or TREAD Act, passed in the 1990s due to the Firestone tire recall, mandated that all light vehicles under 10,000 pounds have a tire pressure monitoring system installed. As of 2008, all passenger vehicles are outfitted with such a system in this country. This system alerts a driver when even a tiny change in tire pressure occurs.
Tire Tread Deficiency
A proper tire tread increases the ability of a tire to grip the road. The NHTSA recommends removing and replacing tires with a tread depth of 2/32 on an inch or lower. In fact, under FMVSS 139, radial tires must have an indicator that makes it possible for a car owner to quickly determine an inadequate tire tread.
Tires with a tread depth of less than 2/32 inches were involved in crashes 26.4 percent of the time. Alternately, tires with a tread depth of 3-4/32 inches to 7/32 inches were involved in crashes 8 percent of the time.
Fresno Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno car accident lawyer. An accident caused by inappropriately maintained tires can be devastating. If you’ve been injured by another person’s negligence or a family member has died, please call me, Ed Smith, at (559) 377-7676. My advice is friendly and free. Outside the area code, please dial (800) 404-5400.
For 35 years, I have helped numerous Northern California residents, including those who reside in Fresno and the surrounding area, as an injury lawyer, obtaining just compensation for their personal injuries and wrongful death.
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