Everything Rides on Tire Safety
June has been declared National Tire Safety Month. Most people perform regular maintenance on their vehicles, but comparatively few pay as much attention to the state of their tires. With Americans driving more than 2 billion miles per year, tire safety is important for everyone on the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are over 11,000 tire-related accidents each year. These accidents can be caused by things such as blowouts, tread separation, and tire shredding.
In some cases, however, tire-related accidents are due to unsafe design or manufacturing defects. In these situations, tire designers and manufacturers are responsible for the injuries and fatalities that result. In recent years, numerous tire companies have recalled defective tires. Unfortunately, these recalls tend to receive less exposure than vehicle recalls.
Tire Safety Checklist
The NHTSA recommends performing routine checks and maintenance on your tires. The agency urges all car owners to do the following:
- Inspect tires for uneven wear, objects lodged in the tire, and signs of trauma
- Check tire pressure often and include the spare in your checks
- Ensure valves have valve caps
- Don’t overload your car or truck
Additionally, the NHTSA cautions drivers to be smart when driving. Slow down when driving over potholes and other objects. Avoid curbs whenever possible. Perhaps more importantly, check your tires – including the tire pressure – before any long road trip. The agency also reminds motorists that tires need to be aligned and rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Furthermore, tires are only good for about six years; after that, it’s time to purchase a new set.
Speak to an Attorney to Protect Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective or dangerous product, it’s important to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can inform you of your options and help you determine the next steps in your case. Call Emerson Straw, PL at (727) 821-1500 to speak to an attorney about your case.