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Tires are the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road, which means your safety depends on four small contact patches of rubber. When tires are worn, underinflated, or damaged, the risk of losing control increases sharply, and the consequences can be catastrophic as a personal injury lawyer has seen too many times.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 646 people died in tire-related crashes in 2023 . In 2022, 562 people were killed in tire-related accidents, underscoring how preventable maintenance issues can turn deadly. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also reports that about 19,000 people are injured every year in tire-related crashes, many caused by poor maintenance such as improper inflation or worn tread.
How Tire Problems Lead To Accidents
- Under-Inflation
Under-inflated tires flex excessively, build up heat, and are far more likely to suffer a blowout. A blowout at highway speeds can cause an immediate loss of control. In fact, 69% of vehicles surveyed had at least one under-inflated tire, a major contributor to crashes.
- Worn Or Bald Tires
Tread depth is critical for traction. When tread is too low, the tire cannot grip the road or channel water away, increasing the risk of skidding or hydroplaning. Worn tires are especially dangerous in rain, snow, or sudden braking situations .
- Uneven Wear and Alignment Issues
Misalignment, suspension problems, or improper rotation cause uneven wear, reducing stability and increasing stopping distances. AAA notes that irregular wear patterns such as cupping or edge wear, signal underlying mechanical issues that compromise safety.
- Structural Defects and Tread Separation
Manufacturing defects or damage can cause tread separation, which often leads to sudden loss of control. Blowouts and tread failures are common causes of high-speed crashes, especially on highways .
Essential Tire Maintenance Tips
As our friends at Ríos, Parada and Seañez PLLC can share, keeping your tires constantly maintained can be the difference between getting home safely and being in a crash. Here are a few tips on how to ensure your tires are road-ready:
Check Tire Pressure Monthly
You cannot tell if a tire is properly inflated just by looking at it. Use a gauge and inflate to the pressure listed on your vehicle’s door placard, not the number printed on the tire. NTSB emphasizes checking pressure at least once a month and after your TPMS light activates .
Inspect Tread Depth
New tires typically have 10/32″–11/32″ of tread. Use a tread-depth gauge monthly. If tread is low or uneven, replace the tire or address alignment issues immediately .
Rotate Tires Regularly
Rotation every 5,000–8,000 miles helps ensure even wear and prolongs tire life. This improves handling and reduces the risk of sudden failures .
Check For Damage
Look for bulges, cracks, punctures, or bald spots. Any abnormality can lead to tire failure and should be inspected by a professional right away .
Register Your Tires
Few drivers register their tires, meaning they may never receive recall notices. Registering ensures you’re notified if your tires are defective or recalled for safety issues .
How Tire Negligence Leads To Personal Injury Claims
When a tire fails, the resulting crash can cause severe injuries from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. Tire-related accidents often involve:
- High-speed rollovers
- Multi-vehicle collisions
- Loss-of-control crashes
If a crash occurs because another driver failed to maintain their tires, or because a tire was defectively manufactured, injured victims may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Proper documentation of tire condition, maintenance history, and accident circumstances becomes crucial.
Tire safety is one of the simplest, yet most overlooked ways to prevent serious accidents. Regular inspections, proper inflation, and timely replacement can save lives. With hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries each year tied to tire failures, staying proactive is not optional, it’s essential. If you have been involved in a car accident and suspect bad tire maintenance was involved, contact an attorney near you for help.