The dangers of worn tires

On behalf of Aiken and Aiken P.C. Personal Injury Attorneys posted in Car Accidents, on Monday, February 2, 2015

Most Massachusetts motorists understand that driving a vehicle with underinflated or bald tires can compromise handling and increase the chances of a collision. However, they may not be aware that the risks of losing control or being involved in an accident may be significantly higher even when tires still have half of their tread remaining. The scope of the problem was highlighted by tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that found potentially dangerous tires on almost half of the 11,500 cars, SUVs and pickup trucks they examined. Testers from Consumer Reports were tasked with finding out how tire wear impacts road safety, and they used a special lathe to remove half the tread from three sets of tires. Subsequent tests discovered that tires with half of their tread remaining had 15 percent less traction in the snow, reduced hydroplaning resistance and took between six and eight feet longer to come to a stop when vehicle brakes were applied at 40 mph. The testing indicates that the chances of being involved in an auto accident are higher even when tires may appear to have sufficient tread remaining. The consumer advocacy publication recommends that drivers check the air pressure and tread depth of their tires monthly. While an inexpensive tread gauge can be purchased at an auto parts store, motorists can also use a penny to see how much tread is remaining on their tires. Thousands of people are injured on the nation’s roads each year because vehicles have not been maintained or repaired properly. An experienced personal injury attorney may bring a lawsuit on behalf of those hurt in an auto accident when their injuries are caused by the negligent actions of others. This legal action could seek compensation for an accident victim’s medical expenses and property damage as well as their lost income.