Can Tires Prevent Catastrophic Injury?

There are often multiple factors at play in a catastrophic crash. It is true that driver negligence on the part of the injured party or the driver of the opposite car may play a role. However, it is also true that mechanical equipment related to the car can also be at fault. 

It may come as a surprise that many catastrophic injuries as a result of car accidents have tires as one of the primary culprits of the crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 750 vehicle related fatalities in 2017 were a result of poor tires. 

How can I tell if I need new tires?

One of the best ways to tell if you must replace the tires on your car is with the penny test. According to Firestone, if you can put a penny head into one of the tread grooves in your tire and you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, you should replace your tires. 

On the other hand, if Lincoln’s head is inside the tread and you cannot see it, it is likely that your tires are still in good enough condition to keep riding on them. 

What can excessive tire wear do?

If your tire treads wear down, this means that your car will not have nimble steering. Particularly if you are driving in conditions with rain and snow, poor tire treads increase the chance of hydroplaning. 

You should also check for uneven tread wear. If one side of your tire is more worn than the others, it could be a result of poor tire alignment. Make sure to get your tires checked regularly by professionals to protect yourself and your loved ones.