How Florida Drivers Can Be ‘TireWise’

Most of us hop in our cars without ever checking our tires. We trust that they are in good condition, properly inflated, and will get us to our destination safely. In fact, many of us never really think about our tires at all. Unfortunately, bad tires or poorly maintained tires can actually cause a Florida auto accident.

In order to reduce your chances of being in a crash, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging all drivers and owners of vehicles to check their tires in order to be ‘TireWise’. Besides checking tires, all drivers also need to do the following:

• Have their tires maintained routinely
• Replace tires when they appear worn or aged
• Buy the right tires for the vehicle

It may be shocking to learn that the simple act of rotating tires and getting tires maintained can extend the life of a tire by 4,700 miles on average, according to NHTSA. Additionally, tire maintenance can help prevent many car accidents in South Florida and nationwide that could be caused by worn tires or tire failure.

NTSAs ‘TireWise’ safety tips for motorists in Florida and nationwide involve the following:

• Tire Maintenance. Not only can maintaining the correct tire pressure help you save money at the pump and make your tires last longer, but it can help you stay safe on the road. NHTSA recommends that every driver check their tire tread monthly for treadwear indicators. If you can see Lincoln’s head on a penny when you place it upside down in your tire’s tread, it is a sign to replace your tires. Additionally, getting tires routinely rotated, balanced, aligned and maintained will help you stay safe.

• Tire Aging. Do you know the age of your tires? It is important to know the date of tires so that you can keep track of when you should replace them. Even if you don’t drive frequently, tires can wear over time from environmental conditions, warm weather, and age. By keeping track of how old your tires are, you can reduce your chances of being in a car crash due to tire aging.

• Tire Buying. Many people purchase tires based on getting the cheapest price. While it is good to save money, it is more important that you purchase tires that fit your vehicle and the environment you are driving in. Always check the date of the tires you are purchasing and the size, type, and rating to determine if they are the right tires for your car. The wrong tires can lead to unnecessary wrecks.

• Tire Registration and Recalls. Because you never know when a tire may be recalled due to a defect in manufacturing, it is essential that you register your tires with NHTSA so that you are notified if a tire recall occurs that affects your safety.

If you have been injured in a Florida auto accident as a result of defective tires, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. To find out about your rights, contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at 954-677-0155 to speak with a skilled accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale in a free consultation today.