Tire Failures in SUVs
Tire failures in SUVs are more likely to be deadly than other types of vehicles. Occupants are much more likely to be injured or even killed in a rollover crash. Over-braking, over-correction and over-steering due to a blowout in an SUV are apt to be more disastrous because of the shape, size, and balance of many SUVs. Most are designed to be top heavy with a high center of gravity, narrow track width, and short wheel base. All of these elements make the SUV far more likely to roll over. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, SUVs in rollover accidents makes up around 30% of all traffic fatalities.
SUV Tire Failures
The reasons for tire failures in SUVs are several. It can be due to:
- overheating from road temperatures
- overloaded excess weight
- uneven tread wear
- failure to rotate tires properly
- adhesion defects from manufacturers
Tires that are more than six years old are more prone to tire failure. SUVs have more tire failures than regular sized cars for a number of reasons. Often, SUVs carry heavier loads and weigh more. A more durable light truck tire with a sturdy grip is needed to help prevent a rollover in an SUV. Light truck tires are constructed with a thicker rubber compound and aggressive tread pattern for a better grip on the road, especially in slick conditions. Driving an SUV usually entails having a bit more safety than a standard vehicle.
What Kind of SUVs Get in Wrecks Most Often
Those SUVs without a rollover prevention or avoidance system get in the most wrecks. This system actually senses a forthcoming rollover and sets off the electronic stability system to stop it. Those SUVs with aftermarket wheel and tire upgrades also tend to rollover more. These types of tires are larger and heavier, which diminishes the SUV’s safety. Larger diameters foil stability systems and antilock brakes tend to compromise braking and increase the chance of a rollover. The highest safety rating for an SUV is five, and there are no SUV models with a five-star rollover rating.
Why SUV Rollovers are Deadly
In a rollover, many parts of the vehicle can fail. Roof systems can collapse and fall onto the upside-down occupants, the vehicle’s weight can press down on passengers, and unrestrained passengers may be ejected from the vehicle. In an SUV rollover, seat belts, door latches and airbags are potentially compromised.
If you are injured in an SUV rollover crash, a personal injury attorney may be able to assist in filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties. This way, you may not have to deal with big insurance companies, tire manufacturers, or auto manufacturers. A personal injury attorney can possibly get justice for victims due to an SUV rollover. Compensation could potentially include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced and knowledgeable personal injury law firm will work with crash site investigators, accident reconstruction personnel, tire experts and engineers. If you or a loved one has experienced a car wreck due to tire failures, contact Zinda Law Group for a free case evaluation.
