We have talked at length about dangerous, faulty or hazardous products that might ultimately injure consumers. Additionally, we have discussed the countless factors that can lead to a serious motor vehicle accident. Unfortunately, when a necessary safety feature of the vehicle fails, it can result in both types of personal injury claim – product liability and motor vehicle crashes.
Depending on your location and the type of travel you are engaged in, your path might take you across crowded city streets, lonely county roads or high-speed freeways. In any situation, the loss of control and stability of the vehicle can lead to devastating accidents. According to one study published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire blowouts account for more than 75,000 accidents and kill more than 400 drivers each year.
Steps to take after a tire blowout:
- Remain calm: It might be challenging in the face of a shocking noise, loss of traction and change in speed, but it is crucial that you remain calm. Erratic steering or slamming on the brakes only tend to cause more trouble.
- Steer straight: Many drivers will immediately attempt to veer to stop on the shoulder or off the road entirely. It is important to keep the vehicle straight until control is totally reestablished.
- Press the gas pedal, gently, rather than the brakes: Maintaining control of the vehicle is crucial and this can be partially accomplished by controlling the car’s speed. By lightly pressing the accelerator, a driver can counteract any deceleration and momentum loss caused by the blowout.
- Allow the vehicle to slow down naturally: Once control is truly established, the driver should begin to move to the side of the road and allow the vehicle’s momentum to naturally slow. Once speeds are safely below 30 miles per hour, the driver can use the brakes to come to a complete stop.
It is wise to regularly check your tire air pressure and replace worn tires. Additionally, as the tires accumulate thousands and thousands of miles, the wear and tear can add up quickly. Faulty materials or a problematic manufacturing process can lead to the tire failing while in use. An explosion, rapid deflation or shredded treads can all lead to not only driver shock but the sudden loss of control that might lead to a collision.