Huge trucks travel the roads in Kentucky every day. Unfortunately, the vehicles are prone to certain problems. Tire blowouts are one of the most common and put nearby vehicles and their passengers at risk for a serious accident.
How dangerous is a tire blowout?
Trucks are known for traveling long hours, day in and day out. As a result, it’s only natural for accidents to happen. One of the main reasons behind such catastrophic accidents is a tire blowout. When a truck’s tire explodes, it sends the rubber flying any which way, putting other people in danger. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, truck tire blowouts lead to more than 75,000 accidents each year. Around 400 people are killed as a result of those accidents.
Tire blowouts can lead to serious truck accidents. A rollover can occur when the truck is suddenly off balance due to losing a tire. This also happens due to the massive weight of the truck even without cargo.
What can cause a tire blowout?
Tire blowouts can happen for a few reasons. One of the most common is wear and tear. When the truck is on the road so frequently and traveling for so many hours at a time without stop, it puts extra strain on the tires. However, extreme heat can make this problem even worse. Even if the tires are brand new, extremely hot temperatures during the late spring and summer can cause them to shrink and deteriorate. A tire blowout and explosion can happen.
Road hazards can also lead to a tire blowout. Another common reason for the problem lies in insufficient air pressure in the tire. If the tires aren’t properly inflated, it can lead to disaster. Even if the tires are overinflated, it’s much worse when they don’t have enough air.
A big rig accident caused by a tire blowout can be devastating. People can suffer catastrophic injuries such as the following:
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Broken bones and fractures
• Severe burns
• Sprains and strains
• Amputations
• Bruises and contusions
• Disfigurement
Many people who are injured in truck accidents also suffer from psychological effects such as anxiety or PTSD. If you have suffered, hold the at-fault party accountable.