DATE: October 9, 2003
INCIDENT TYPE: Vehicle
Accident due to Tire Failure
LOCATION: District
8
TYPE OF WORK ACTIVITY:
Survey Vehicle Traveling to Work Location
THE ACCIDENT: On September
24, 2003 a Caltrans survey van was traveling in the #1 lane of I-15
near Hesperia. The right rear tire failed causing the driver of the
van to lose control and swerve across all north-bound lanes. The van
then slid off the pavement hit a concrete v-ditch and overturned approximately
3 times before coming to rest in an upright position. The driver and
passenger (seated in the front passenger seat) both received minor injuries.
The metal cage inside the van not only prevented debris and equipment
from entering the passenger area, it also helped to keep roof from collapsing
on the occupants.
CONCLUSIONS: The cause
of the tire failure is unknown at this time and is still under investigation.
Frequently, when tires fail prematurely the tires are misidentified
as recapped tires. The tires on the survey van in this accident were
not recapped tires. Recapped tires are usually as safe as new tires.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Proper
tire maintenance is necessary for maximum tire life and safety. The
best way to avoid premature tire failure is to follow proper tire maintenance
procedures:
- Check tire pressure regularly
(at least once a month), including the spare.
- Inspect tires for uneven
wear patterns on the tread, cracks, foreign objects or other signs
of wear or trauma. Remove bits of glass and other foreign objects
wedged in the tread.
- Make sure your tire valves
have valve caps.
- Check tire pressure before
going on a long trip.
- Do not overload your
vehicle. Check the tire information placard or owners manual for the
maximum recommended load for the vehicle.
- If you are towing a trailer,
remember that some of the weight of the loaded trailer is transferred
to the towing vehicle.
For further information on
tire safety visit www.nhtsa.gov
or call 1-888-327-4236.
