By now, you may know many of the common causes of truck accidents on Illinois roads. Distracted, drowsy, intoxicated and aggressive driving are some of the top causes.
However, tire failure is another cause of truck accidents. There are several reasons that tires on trucks could be more apt to fail.
Truck drivers spend more time on the road than the rest of us. Although they are required to take meal and rest breaks, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s hours of service regulations still allow them to drive up to 11 hours a day.
Too much time on time on the road
This is much more than most of us drive in our vehicles every day. Truck tires receive a lot more wear and tear than passenger vehicles.
The hours of service regulations sometimes work against truck drivers, who might engage in dangerous behavior to meet deadlines before they are required to stop driving. They may keep driving through poor weather, speed or drive aggressively, all of which deteriorate the tires and increase the risk of an accident.
Poor installation and maintenance
Truck tires must be properly installed and regularly maintained. Tires that are installed incorrectly or have worn out parts from lack of maintenance are more likely to fail and potentially cause an accident.
As with any other tires, truck tires are susceptible to blowouts from road hazards such as nails or sharp materials. Trucks that run over one of these objects or hit a pothole can rupture, especially if it happens while speeding.
Manufacturer’s defect
A manufacturer’s defect can also cause tires to go flat or result in a tire blowout while on the road.
Tire failure on a truck can put everyone else on the road in danger. Not only can the failure cause the truck to spin out of control and collide with another vehicle, but the tire pieces can fly off and strike your vehicle.
When you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to learn the cause and who is responsible.