NHTSA STUDY HIGHLIGHTS DANGER OF UNDERINFLATED TIRES

A new study released by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that drivers riding on underinflated tires are at a highly increased risk of being in a crash. As reported by ConsumerReports.org, the NHTSA stated that motorists driving on tires that are underinflated by 25% or more are three times as likely to be involved in a crash.

Additionally, underinflated tires are at a greater risk of overheating, which can result in tire failure in worst case scenarios and at least negatively affect a driver’s ability to control the vehicle and shorten tread life. Tire problems are serious events that can result in dangerous accidents; for example, 45% of SUVs that experienced these problems before a crash were involved in a rollover crash. Additionally, only 31% of single-vehicle crashes did not involve some form of tire problem.

But underinflation is not the only serious tire problem found by the NHTSA, as worn down tread is incredibly dangerous as well. When tread wears down the tire is unable to properly grip the road and easily loses traction, making turning, reacting to hazards, and stopping much more difficult and making injury auto accidents much more likely.

Tires are designed to properly grip the road while a car is moving, giving it secure traction on the road while still being able to move smoothly over the road. This is a delicate balance that requires high quality material, proper inflation, and well-designed tread. Without these features, tires become unsafe and can cause rather than prevent accidents, either due to defects caused by the manufacturer or wear-and-tear.

At Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys, our San Jose defective tire attorneys understand the unexpected and dangerous accidents that can come from problems with a defective tire. Our legal team has years of successful experience in the courtroom and can help you find proper compensation for your losses related to accidents caused by defective tires. For more information, call us today at (800) 900-0863.