Road Dangers Will Always Exist
Today’s vehicles are safer than ever. Still, many of us have a fear of encountering a terrifying situation while driving and not knowing how to react to it. Here we look at two common scenarios – a flat tire and hydroplaning – that could happen when you are behind the wheel and offer advice on how to get to the other side of both, safely.
A Flat Tire
Experiencing a flat tire can happen to anyone. Even though most cars are equipped with technology that warns the driver that the tire air pressure is low, there could still be a blowout due to road debris or worn tread.
If you are driving and you notice the telltale signs of a flat tire – which could include vehicle vibration, difficulty steering the vehicle, and a thumping sound coming from the affected wheel area – here is what you should do:
- Engage your hazard lights and slow the vehicle. Brake and steer gently, not aggressively.
- As soon as you can do so safely, pull to the shoulder as far away from traffic as you can while allowing enough room for the tire to be changed.
- Once you have safely parked, if you feel comfortable and knowledgeable enough to change the tire yourself, do so. Otherwise, call a reputable company for roadside assistance. Often, your auto insurer will have contracted providers, so you may want to call them first.
- Once the spare tire is secured, cautiously proceed back on the road.
- As soon as you can, you will want to go to a tire shop to purchase a new tire. Spare tires are meant for temporary use only. Bring your flat tire to the shop for the experts to determine if it is repairable.
While often a flat is caused by debris in the road that you may not be able to avoid, there are maintenance issues that can reduce the likelihood of your car experiencing a flat caused by other issues:
- Check your tire pressure on a monthly basis. Under- or over-inflated tires can cause failure.
- When purchasing tires, invest in those that are designed to last. Replace tires when they have lost too much tread. Have your auto repair person check the tread at regular intervals – at least annually if the tire is more than five years old.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below instructs the viewer on how to change a flat tire.
Hydroplaning
We sure hope that Northern California gets some rain this upcoming winter. That said, with rain comes the potential for hydroplaning, which is when your vehicle’s tires lose contact with the surface of the road, which causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
You can feel it when your tires lose traction. It’s a scary feeling. First off, remain calm – traction can usually be regained by doing the following:
- Remove your foot from the gas pedal.
- Do not slam on the brakes, as tempting as it may be. If you must apply the brakes, use a subtle pumping action. Many cars are equipped with anti-lock braking systems, and braking can be done normally as the technology will adjust the braking action automatically.
- Once you feel you have gained control of the vehicle, gently steer the car to safety.
Old tires with worn tread can increase the chances of hydroplaning, so this is another reason to replace your tires when necessary.
Placerville Personal Injury Lawyer
Thanks for visiting our blog. I’m Ed Smith, a Placerville personal injury attorney. For nearly four decades, our firm has advocated on behalf of Placerville residents who have been injured in accidents caused by negligence. If you have questions following a car crash, reach out to the injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly legal advice.
Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/automobile-car-tire-wheel-rims-818147/
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