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Tires are a motorist’s first line of defense when driving. However, tires run the risk of being punctured with every revolution, and they experience millions of revolutions throughout their lifespan. So, it is not a matter of “if” a driver will experience a flat tire, but “when.” 

When driving down the road, a tire that has a puncture will most likely become flat very quickly because there is not anything holding air in the tire. The air tends to leak out. Yourmechanic.com says that it is not safe to drive on either a punctured or flat tire because it can cause a blowout, an accident or both. Vehicles become hard to control when tires are flat as they tend to pull to the side. This can be potentially hazardous to drivers. When a tire is punctured, pulling over to assess the damage is the best practice. 

On October 15, 2017 a driver was killed and 6 children were injured in an accident on I-75 in Florida. The Florida Highway Patrol responding to the accident reported the cause was a tire blowout. 

In June 2016 four sisters died in a vehicle accident in Titusville, Florida, when the SUV in which they were passengers suffered a tire blowout. According to Fox 8, the SUV was traveling on I-95 when the blowout occurred causing a lack of control of the SUV. It flipped several times and ejected all its occupants. 

PopularMechanics.com and other experts say that one of the most common causes of tire blowouts is punctures. 

New technology in tires and rubber may prevent a punctured tire. 

• Harvard researchers have developed a new type of rubber which they say is as tough as the existing rubber, but it has the added benefit of being able to self-heal in the event it gets punctured. 

• According to Bridgestone Tire Company, it has been working on developing an “airless” or non-pneumatic tire that features a unique spoke structure designed to support the weight of a passenger vehicle and effectively eliminate the need to periodically refill tires with air. The company says that the airless tires make it possible for drivers not to worry about flat tires because they do not require air. These tires, however, are not yet on the market. 

• Another innovation by tire manufacturers, such as Bridgestone, is the “run-flat” tire. Run-flat tires are specifically engineered to take a puncture and still allow drivers to keep cruising for up to 50 miles at maximum speeds up to 50 mph. This allows drivers time to get to a convenient, safe location and prevents an immediate blowout.  

Properly maintained tires can help prevent a tire blow out.

Thick tire treads help reduce the chances of suffering a blowout while driving. They cannot prevent all tire punctures, but if a driver runs over a nail or other hard, sharp object, the tires stand a better chance than worn or bald tires of resisting the blowout, according to FixAutoUSA.com. 

“New technology to prevent tire blowouts is important. However, should you or a loved one be injured in an accident caused by a tire blowout, please contact our experienced team of Fort Myers Car Accident Attorneys,” said Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.