AAA of Texas is urging drivers to check their tires to avoid serious or fatal car accidents caused by slippery roads, wet weather of the torrential rains of Texas summer.
“Tires are what keep a car connected to the road,” said AAA's John Nielsen. “Even the most advanced safety systems rely on a tire’s basic ability to maintain traction."
The agency reports cars driving at highway speed on worn tires take almost 100 feet longer to stop. A 33-percent reduction in handling and maneuverability further reduces the margin for error. Tire traction is another reason why driving too fast for conditions is often cited as a primary reason for a traffic collision during wet or inclement weather.
Far too few motorists take tire maintenance seriously. And longer intervals between scheduled maintenance means your mechanic has fewer chances to keep you out of trouble. Even with adequate tires, drivers need to know how to handle the challenges of bad weather. Slowing down or stopping in a safe location should always be an option. Otherwise, avoid cruise control, reduce speed and increase your following distance.
Texas headlight law is found in Sec. 547.001 Texas Transportation Code. The law requires headlight use 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced to less than 1,000 feet.
Bad Tires Cause Texas Traffic Collisions in All Road Conditions
Experienced car accident lawyers in Houston know faulty or defective tires can result in a serious or fatal traffic accident, even in the best of weather. In fact, the blazing hot temperatures and scorching Texas roads reduce the life of your tires and can lead to blowouts and tread separation.
NBC5 in Dallas-Fort Worth began the summer with a report on the risk of combining hot weather and bad tires. Hot weather dries the rubber and makes a tire brittle. Road heat can increase tire pressure by more than 20 percent. The results can be a blowout while going down the road in sunny weather with tires being the furthest thing from your mind. Monthly examination of your tires is recommended in all weather conditions.
- Inflation: Under- and over-inflation are the most common tire problems. These conditions can result in excessive tire wear, uneven wear, blowout and reduced gas mileage.
- Worn tread: Check your tread depth according to manufacturer specifications. Tires typically wear at the edges. Proper tire rotation can increase the life of your tires, but once edge wear becomes noticeable, it's typically time to replace your tires.
- Bulges, frays, or visible mesh: These are all tire emergencies that mean your tires need to be replaced immediately.
Liability for Tire-Related Traffic Accidents in Texas
An experienced Houston injury lawyer will be alert to the possibility that worn or defective tires were a factor in your motor-vehicle collision. In some cases, an at-fault driver's dangerous tires may contribute to proof of negligence. In other cases, improper installation or mistakes by a mechanic may result in a blowout or other tire failure. Historically, there have also been many dangerous or defective tires sold by manufacturers or installed by automakers.
In these cases, your Texas injury lawyer may pursue damages under state and federal product liability laws. These are complex cases best handled by a law firm with significant experience and a proven track record of success.