Tire blowouts are one of the scariest and most dangerous things that can happen on the road for large trucks. This happens when a tire suddenly bursts or loses air pressure quickly. It often causes drivers to lose control of the truck.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every year, there are 11,000 accidents in the country caused by tire blowouts. Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows that 8,000 large truck accidents are caused by tire failures alone. To put it into perspective, this is 6% of all truck accidents in the US alone.
Consulting TopDog Law for truck accident cases is the best decision victims can make. For truck drivers, tire blowouts are officially a serious concern that can lead to life-threatening incidents.
Common Causes of Tire Blowouts
Several factors can lead to tire blowouts, such as:
Tire Pressure
Most blowouts happen because of tire pressure. If a tire is underinflated or overinflated, it becomes more likely to fail. Since trucks carry heavy loads, tire pressure must be filled correctly to work safely.
Worn-out Tires and Overloading
Another cause is worn-out or damaged tires. Tires that are old or have little tread are more likely to blow out when a truck is speeding. Overloading a truck can also lead to blowouts. When a truck carries more weight than it is supposed to, the tires have to work harder than they are designed to. This added pressure can cause them to fail.
Road Conditions
Road hazards like potholes, debris, or rough pavement may damage a tire enough to cause a blowout. Additionally, poor maintenance or even manufacturing defects could play a role in blowouts.
Weather
Most tire blowouts happen during summer. Higher temperatures cause the pressure inside tires to expand. If a tire is overinflated, this expansion can easily lead to a blowout. However, extremely cold weather during winter can make tires hard and more likely to crack.
The Dangers of a Blowout
As mentioned, when a tire blows out, it can be very difficult for the driver to maintain control of the truck. There are higher chances of suddenly jerking to one side, swerving or even rolling over.
If the truck is speeding, the risk of a serious crash increases. A blowout can also cause the truck to jackknife or block multiple traffic lanes, increasing the chances of pile-ups.
These accidents endanger the truck driver, other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. In many cases, the vehicles behind or beside the truck don’t have enough time to react. There is also damage that happens to the truck, the cargo carried, and other vehicles. Therefore, the financial impact of an accident caused by a blowout can be massive, especially if legal action is taken.
What Can Truck Drivers Do to Prevent Blowouts?
Tire blowouts can be prevented with the right steps. Truck drivers and fleet managers should do regular inspections. This includes checking the tire pressure before every trip and looking for any signs of damage or wear. Old tires should be immediately replaced, even if they haven’t reached the end of their expected mileage.
Next, proper loading procedures should be taken. Staying within the weight limits can reduce the strain on tires. Driving training is another key part of prevention. When drivers are properly trained, they can spot early signs like vibrations, uneven tire wear, or any handling changes. This can help drivers take action before a blowout happens.
Conclusion
For truck drivers, tire blowouts pose a big risk. Luckily, by taking proper care of tires, doing proper maintenance and training drivers well, the risk of blowouts can be incredibly lowered. Visit WORLD JOURNEY MAGAZINE for more details
