What Are the Most Common Causes of Tire Blowouts?

All motorists are responsible for following the rules of the road, avoiding distractions, and ensuring that their vehicles are properly maintained. Failure to do so can increase the risk of a serious maintenance-related car accident. For example, if the vehicle’s tires are not maintained regularly, and they become underinflated, or the treads are worn, this can cause a blowout. When this happens, it can cause the vehicle to lurch suddenly and become very difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. If other vehicles are nearby, there is an increased risk of a severe car accident. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire blowouts are responsible for causing 75,000 accidents and over 400 fatalities each year. If you or a loved one is injured in a tire blowout accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced car accident lawyer.

Tire blowouts are often preventable if the tire is maintained properly. That means checking the air pressure and the tire tread, rotating the tires when necessary, and replacing them if worn or damaged. A serious accident can occur when motorists fail to care for their vehicle, including the tires, properly. The following are some of the most common causes of tire blowouts:

• Low tire pressure: While overinflated tires can also cause problems for motorists, underinflated tires are more likely to cause a blowout because more of the tire’s surface is in contact with the road, including the sides of the tires if they are extremely underinflated. The sides of the tires are thinner than the tread and will wear down much more quickly. A blowout is more likely to occur if weak spots start to form.
• Small punctures in the wheel: Often, a screw or nail will puncture the tire without the motorist noticing it. However, this will cause the air to escape slowly, causing the tire to deflate. The low tire pressure will increase the risk of a car accident.
• Uneven or worn tire tread: Wear and tear to the tires is inevitable. However, a motorist must rotate the tires regularly to prevent uneven wear and tear. Once the tires have become worn beyond a certain point, it is important to replace the worn tires.
• Damage from road hazards: Potholes, debris on the road, and other road hazards can cause damage to the wheels, increasing the risk of a tire blowout accident.
• Old or defective tires: The longer you have your tires and the more miles you drive, the quicker the tires will become worn and at risk for a blowout. However, even a brand-new tire can blow out if there is a manufacturing defect.
• Heavy loads: Every vehicle has a limit regarding how much weight it can safely carry. If that weight is exceeded, it puts more pressure on the tires and increases the risk of a tire blowout. This can be particularly dangerous if a tire blowout accident causes the load to shift or come loose. This, combined with a tire blowout, can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC Represent Victims of Tire Blowout Accidents

If you were injured in a tire blowout accident, do not hesitate to contact our Savannah car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 478-254-2007 or contact us online. Located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, and Atlanta.