If you see motorists stopped on the highway, it could be because they experienced a tire blowout.
Blowouts happen when tires suddenly lose air pressure, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 23,000 accidents and 500 fatalities occur every year due to such an event. Here is what you should know before you next get behind the wheel:
Causes
There are a variety of factors that can cause tire blowout accidents. They include:
- Low tire pressure
- Mismatched tires
- Hitting the curb or a road hazard
- High heat
- Mechanical malfunctions
- Normal wear and tear
Tire defects can also cause blowouts and the most common defects are rim separation and tread separation.
Injuries Caused by Tire Blowouts
Drivers don’t often know how to react to a blowout, which increases the risk of injuries. They include:
- Head injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Arm injuries
- Facial injuries
- Internal bleeding
How to React to a Tire Blowout
Tire blowouts can happen to any vehicle, including those that are properly maintained. It’s important for all drivers to know how to handle this situation, which is why the National Safety Commission provides the following tips:
- If a blowout occurs, take your foot off the accelerator
- Don’t suddenly apply the brake
- Steer your vehicle in the direction you wish to go
- Gradually slow your speed
- Come to a complete stop on the side of the road
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please contact us. As personal injury lawyers, we can help get you the settlement you deserve if you have a valid claim.
