Tips to Handle a Tire Blowout
Tire blowouts are common on highways; yes, they are as scary as they seem. They are caused by several factors such as; low air pressure, heat, defects such as uneven treads, an overloaded vehicle, and punctures.
A blowout poses a danger to you and other motorists on the road because it may cause an accident. Besides, damage to the motor and perhaps others may occur, such as bodily injuries. Consult a tampa car crash attorney to guide you through what you should do if this happens to you in Florida.
That said to be prepared, here are six tips to help you handle a tire blowout:
- Do Not Panic
The first thing to do is to take a deep breath. Staying calm will help you have a clear head and think about what to do. It keeps you from making a mistake that would otherwise cause you to lose control of your car. Don’t step on the brake, steer to the sides, or suddenly take your foot off the gas pedal.
- Switch On the Hazards
It is important to warn other motorists that there is a problem. It will help minimize the risk of getting hit or hitting other vehicles.
- Hold on Tight to the Wheel.
To keep the wheel from turning quickly, you must hold on to it tightly to ensure it is going in the direction you need. If one of your tires stops working, your steering may no longer be smooth, and your car may turn in one direction. Try to move to the side as little as possible to retain control. After a tire blows, making a safe stop is crucial.
- Take your Foot off the Gas Pedal Slowly
Slow your car down gradually by taking your foot off the accelerator. It is easier to control your vehicle when it is going at a steady speed than when you’re slowing it down rapidly.
- Brake Gently Once You Have Slowed to a Safe Speed.
The car will start to go slower when you take your foot off the gas. You can begin to brake gently to help it slow down more gradually.
Due to the blowout, the vehicle’s braking force will no longer be the same on all wheels. Therefore, do not hit the brakes until you are in control of the car. If you brake too early or hard, you could lose control.
- Pull Off the Road
To ensure your safety after making a stop:
- Try to clear all traffic as much as possible.
- Keep the hazards on to warn other drivers nearby as you try and fix the spare tire.
- Note that you should only use the spare tire to get you to the mechanic until you fix the real problem.
The Florida Highway and Safety Motor Vehicle portal contains records of over 400,000 crashes in 2021 alone. These records highlight the importance of taking every measure to ensure safety in a blowout.
How to Prevent Tire Blowouts
It’s important to know what to do if a tire blows out, but it’s just as important to understand how to keep it from happening.
Remember these four tips:
- Make sure that your tires are in good shape.
- Ensure at least 2/32 inches of tread on each tire.
- Maintain the proper tire pressure.
- Watch out for strange vibrations or steering problems, such as one wheel not turning the way it should.
On this website, one can learn more about Florida’s legislative statutes regarding traffic and traffic offenses.
