Driving lawfully and cautiously is one of the most important things we do every day. Our lives, as well the people we share the road with, depend on us making careful decisions behind the wheel. One important part of practicing safe driving habits that is often overlooked is doing your best to make sure that your vehicle is always in safe driving condition. When your car isn’t functioning properly, it may present a hazard to you and to other drivers. A common problem that can be quite dangerous is driving on tires with low air pressure.
Under inflated tires can be hazardous for several reasons. Having under inflated tires can make your car more difficult to steer. Under inflation makes it more difficult to stop on a wet road, and can make it easier to lose control. Because it’s harder to stop and to steer, a car without appropriate tire pressure is more car accident prone.
Heat builds up inside of a tire with low air pressure. Eventually, this heat can cause a tire go blowout. A tire blowout is a hole or tear “that results in rapid air loss.” This can be a very dangerous condition for you, your passengers, and other drivers. If your car has a blowout in a front tire, you may veer unexpectedly.
This could cause you to go off the road or into another lane of traffic. If your car has a blowout in a rear tire, your car may begin to spin. A blowout causes steering instability, and you may lose control of your vehicle. Large cars, like SUVs, are prone to rollovers after suffering a blowout. It’s estimated that 41 people die every year in accidents caused by blowouts due to under-inflated tires, and over a thousand more are injured.
Maintaining proper tire pressure is a very important part of staying safe on the road. Tires affect braking and stability, and are one of the most important safety features on your car. To ensure that your vehicle is functionally safely and optimally, it’s important to check your tire pressure routinely. Tire pressure should be checked with a pressure gauge at least once a month. It’s important to check your pressure even if your tires aren’t leaking. Tire pressure changes with temperature fluctuations, so it’s vital to keep an eye on air pressure through the changing seasons. Don’t overlook the need to replace your tires.
To get an accurate reading, test your pressure when your tires are at air temperature. Don’t check tires that haven’t been sitting for a few hours or have recently been driven on for more than a few miles. Remember to check all four tires. It only takes one with low air pressure to cause a dangerous situation. Every once in a while, check the pressure of your spare tire so you know it’s road ready should you ever need it.
Do your part to make the road a safer place and always do your best to maintain your vehicle. Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact a Chicago accident attorney from Staver Law Firm at (312) 236-2900.
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