Tire problems and defects can and do cause many truck collisions in Homestead, Miami, and other South Florida communities. You may have seen the strips of tire on the road from a tire blowout when driving in the area. While some of these incidents are caused by debris on the road, many are preventable and may be attributed to poor tire maintenance.
Truck drivers are expected to check their tires regularly and trucking companies are also expected to properly maintain their fleets. When this does not happen, trucking accidents in Homestead and other communities can occur as tires blow out or fail to function correctly.
What Can Truck Drivers Do?
Truck drivers can (and are expected to) conduct pre-trip inspections before every trip. This inspection should consist of:
- Air Pressure checks. Trucking companies and tire manufacturers post air pressure requirements and truck drivers on the road are responsible for ensuring their tires meet the right standard. If tires are consistently under-inflated and drivers suspect a leak or mechanical problem, they should report the truck to the maintenance department. Under- or over-inflated tires are more prone to fires, blowouts, and other dangers.
- Checking tire condition. Drivers should look for sidewall damage, any debris lodged between dual tires, air leaks, uneven wear, and any tire problems.
- Replacing missing valve caps.
- Evaluating tire tread. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that steer tires have a tread depth of at least “4/32 of an inch on every major tread groove.” When treads are below this, trucks are more likely to have poor traction and to slide, especially in wet conditions. Tires that have been worn down are also more at risk of blowouts. Uneven wear can be a sign of mechanical problems, so that should always be reported as well.
- Reporting any tire problems.
In addition to the above, trucking companies have a role to play in ensuring their truck tires are safe. Hiring safe drivers and good maintenance services is important, as is keeping track of truck tire recalls. Tires should not be stored for long periods of time, since long storage can also compromise rubber integrity. Companies further need to ensure their drivers are properly trained and are aware of the need for correct tire pre-inspections.
In the weather conditions of Florida, especially, poor tire maintenance can have devastating consequences. Hot temperatures and wet weather can mean tires have to handle a lot. Proper maintenance keeps truckers safe but also keeps the vehicles around them safer.
Have You Been Injured in a Truck Accident by a Tire Problem?
If you have been injured in a trucking accident in Homestead or anywhere in South Florida, you may be eligible for compensation if your accident was caused by someone’s negligence or recklessness. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know whether a truck driver or company was negligent in caring for their trucks or tires. Working with a trucking accident attorney in Homestead can help. An attorney can gather evidence of incorrect pre-inspection processes, poor maintenance, and any other negligence which may have led to your crash. To speak to a Homestead truck accident attorney, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation.