Manufacturers design tires to withstand various road conditions and keep vehicles rolling. However, despite their structural strength, tires can still fail and blow out during transit.
Tire blowouts are likely to occur in California’s soaring temperatures. Tires rubbing against hot pavements can increase friction, rapidly building up heat beyond what they can take. When this happens, tires can expand and explode.
Thus, knowing what to do upon hearing a loud burst can help drivers regain control of their vehicles.
Keep calm and don’t panic
While it is understandable to feel uneasy when the car loses its balance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reiterates the significance of maintaining focus and not making abrupt speed changes.
Instead, drivers must take the following safety steps during a tire blowout to prevent a minor situation from escalating into a life-threatening accident:
- Firmly hold the steering wheel with both hands.
- Gently release the accelerator to slow down in a safe direction.
- Adjust steering to avoid swerving to another lane.
- Pull over at a secure location.
- Turn on emergency lights and assess the extent of damage.
Failure to follow safety procedures can have deadly consequences. Tire-related wrecks yielded 422 fatalities in 2021. However, drivers can avert potential catastrophic collisions through proper tire maintenance. Constantly checking on tire pressure, tread, rotation, size and alignment can mean the difference between life and death.
Determine if a manufacturer shares liability
Not all tire blowouts are a case of a negligent car owner. Sometimes, it is a design defect. The manufacturer may have improperly inflated the product, among several things that can go wrong in the supply chain. However, drivers must prove that the faulty tire directly caused their injuries. With big companies potentially involved, pursuing legal action with a representative proves paramount to protecting an injured party’s rights and helping them recover fair compensation.