Tire Blowout Causes Fatal Accident | Virginia Auto Accident Lawyer
As we’ve mentioned before, accidents involving tractor trailers are common in the state of Virginia, and they can often be fatal. Just recently Richmond-Times Dispatch reported that there was a wreck on I-64 in New Kent involving a truck tractor that was hauling a RV camper.
Unfortunately, the driver, Gary L. Charcalia, 49, of North East,PA died at scene. The other passengers in the vehicle including Charcalia’s wife, two sons, and a family friend suffered injuries. They were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.
The family was returning to Pennsylvania from Virginia Beach when the front left tire blew out on the Freightliner. The vehicle hit some trees then overturned on its right side.
Tire blowouts are one of the top causes of car accidents. Michelin reports that around 535 fatalities and 23,000 collisions per year are due to tire blowouts. These blowouts can be due to large potholes, big cuts or punctures that causes rapid air loss, or overloading the vehicle.
It’s important to periodically check your tires for traction and air pressure. If you do experience a blowout, keep calm and put both hands on the wheel firmly to keep the vehicle straight. Then gently step on the accelerator to maintain momentum. You can offset the pulling by counter steering to keep the vehicle in the lane. When the vehicle becomes more stable, slow down and pull over to the side of the road.