Believe it or not, there is actually a “tire blowout season,” lasting from May to early October, according to tire manufacturers, because of the summer heat and frequent road trips. In Texas, however, this season lasts all year round due to lingering heat and the necessity to drive for hours to get to other regions of the state. Tire blowouts happen for a number of reasons. You may hit a pothole while driving and blowout immediately after contact, drive over a nail that slowly deflates your tire, or even have a tire with a manufacturing defect causing the tire to crack and tear. A tire blowout can be a terrifying event that leads to car accidents if you do not know how to manage your vehicle in an emergency.
Below are a few facts and tips to remember the next time you have a tire blowout.
#1: The noise is petrifying.
In fact, the most difficult part of managing the blowout is managing your fear and staying calm. Do not let the noise scare you into forgetting how to drive or what to do. If you follow these instructions, you should be able to escape without harm.
#2: Turn on your hazards.
The process of managing your blowout may take a minute or two, so be sure to immediately turn on your hazards so other cars know to be cautious when passing.
#3: Do not brake.
It is instinctual for drivers to hit the brakes when something goes wrong, but braking may be the reason for your ultimate downfall and may cause a car accident. Instead, go against instincts and tap the accelerator until your car is stable. Allow the blown tire to slow your car down until you hit 30 MPH or slower. Even if you are accelerating, the car will slow down on it’s own.
#4: Do not turn.
Similar to breaking, turning your car to head for the shoulder seems instinctual, but in reality it is impossible. Your car is in a very fragile state. Turning the wheel before completely slowed will cause you to spin out, which can cause a car accident, or cause your car to spin off the road and flip. Stay in your lane with your hazards on until you are ready to make the move at a much slower speed. It may seem frustrating to other drivers, but nothing is more frustrating than an avoidable car accident.
Having a blowout is never expected and always unnerving. Following these tips will allow for a painless experience with the least amount of damage to you, your passengers and your car, as well as others on the road.
If you recently experienced a tire blowout that resulted in a car accident you may be eligible for compensation if your tire was defective or another driver injured you after their blowout. Contact Colley & Colley law firm in Tyler, Texas for a free consultation.
15511 W Highway 71
Suite 110-142
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 477-2001
512-477-3335
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