The NHTSA (National Traffic Safety Administration) reports that around 11,000 accidents occur annually because of bad tires. When the tires on your vehicle aren’t in good condition, the likelihood of being involved in an accident is much higher.
If your bad tires are combined with adverse weather conditions, like rain or snow, the likelihood of an accident is even higher. Some of the specific dangers and risks of driving with bad tires are explained here.
Tread concerns
The tread on your tires is what grips the road. If the tread is low or gone, it will impact your vehicle’s ability to brake quickly. Also, in rain, your car is more likely to hydroplane when the tread is low on your tires.
Worn tires are also more likely to be punctured by road debris, which can cause a blowout and accident. Old or worn tires can also lose air pressure, impacting your braking, steering, and fuel economy. Low air pressure can also increase the likelihood of tire blowouts.
Steps to avoid tire-related accidents
To avoid causing or being involved in a tire-related accident, you should check your tires for damage or issues before hitting the road. If the tread looks low or if you see other issues, it’s best to invest in new tires before driving.
If you are involved in an accident with another driver – whether their bad tires caused the problem or not– you can likely recover compensation for your damages and injuries. Knowing your legal rights and can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
