The summer months are here and so are higher risks for a car accident in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere throughout the United States.
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released a consumer advisory urging all motorists to check the inflation of their tires and to check for signs of tread wear and damage. This advisory coincides with National Tire Safety Week. The summer heat and scorching pavement increase your risks for a tire-related accident.
“As the weather warms up, it’s especially important for drivers to ensure their tires are properly inflated,” Secretary Ray LaHood said. “For your safety and the safety of others on the road, inspect your tires regularly and maintain the proper inflation.”
Our West Palm personal injury attorneys understand that many residents will be venturing out onto the roads for vacations this time of year. For this reason, safety advocates are urging motorists to take the proper safety cautions to ensure your safety behind the wheel this summer. Please take proper care of your vehicle to help keep you, your family and other motorists on our roadways safe during the next few months of busy travel.
According to the most recent data from the Department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 3,400 people died from tire-related accidents from 2005 to 2009. Another 116,000 were injured.
“While it’s true improperly maintained tires can contribute to a crash at any time of year, it is particularly critical for motorists to check tires during hot weather, when families and luggage often overload vehicles for long vacation trips,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland warned. “Underinflated tires spinning on hot asphalt for extended periods of time can be a recipe for disaster.”
Motorists are urged to check their tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips. You are also urged to make sure your tires have not significantly aged. Hot weather and aging tires can prove to be a deadly combination because older tires are more susceptible to head stress. This risk increases even more if the aged tires are not properly inflated. Motorists can check the sidewall of their tires to see how old they are. You can also check with the owner’s manual or the with the tire manufacturer for recommendations on how often you should change you tires.
Inflating your tires to the proper PSI (pound per square inch) can also help you keep some cash in your pocket as the Department of Energy‘s reports that under-inflated tires can lower your vehicle’s gas mileage by nearly 0.5 percent for every 1 PSI drop in pressure of all four tires.
In vehicles with a fuel-economy rating of 30 miles per gallon and a tire pressure recommendation of 35 PSI, a tire pressure drop of just 25 percent would cost you a loss of nearly 9 percent in fuel economy. This means you would lose almost three miles per gallon.
If you or a loved one has been in a tire-related accident in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach or the surrounding areas, contact the personal injury lawyers at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez. Call for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights at 1-800-529-2368.
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