The Risks of Worn Truck Tires

Driving a vehicle with worn tires is always a dangerous endeavor because it reduces traction and significantly increases the chances of a blowout. These risks, however, are even higher with a heavy commercial vehicle, like a semi-truck. These trucks, when they lose control, can cause a lot more damage than the average sized passenger vehicle, as they are both extremely long and very heavy. In recognition of these risks, the federal government requires that trucking companies conduct regular inspections of and maintenance on their truck tires. Unfortunately, many companies fail to adhere to these rules, which puts any other road users at risk of injury.

Blowouts 

Of the many risks that accompany driving a truck with worn tires, potential blowouts are perhaps the most serious. Worn tires that lack tread depth and full coverage are much more at risk of becoming punctured or sliced by road debris. This in turn, makes a blowout and subsequent loss of control of the vehicle a lot harder to avoid.

Hydroplaning 

Another risk of driving a truck with worn tires is potential hydroplaning. This occurs when water comes between the road and the tire, causing a loss of grip on the asphalt and a subsequent loss of control of the vehicle. Worn tires are much more likely to hydroplane, as they lack the tread that would keep water from coming between the tire and the road.

Heat Buildup 

The friction between a tire and the road creates a lot of heat, which tread helps to alleviate by allowing cool air to flow between the grooves of the rubber. When a tire is worn down, however, and these treads become less substantial, it’s much easier for a tire to overheat, which then increases the chances of a blowout.

Loss of Air Pressure 

Worn down tires tend to lose air pressure more quickly, leading to under-inflation. Under-inflated tires have a much more difficult time gripping the road, making it harder to steer and increasing the chances that the vehicle will skid out of control.

Liability for Worn Truck Tires 

As we mentioned earlier, federal regulations require trucking companies to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles, which includes checking and repairing the tires. Companies that fail to train their drivers on how to conduct such inspections, or who ignore the results of those inspections can be held liable for their negligence. Successful claimants who can provide proof of this type of negligence could recover compensation for accident-related medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and pain and suffering.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today 

At Anderson & Anderson, our team of experienced Tampa truck accident lawyers and dedicated support staff have been helping victims throughout the state recover the compensation that will enable them to move on with their lives after catastrophic accidents for more than 35 years. Call us at 813-251-0072 today to learn more about how we can put our experience and resources to work on your own case.

Sources: 

csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyplanner/MyFiles/SubSections.aspx?ch=22&sec=64&sub=143

fox35orlando.com/news/photos-semi-truck-pins-car-against-guardrail-after-tire-blowout-florida-officials-say