Are there any laws about safe tractor-trailer tires, and are South Carolina truckers trained to handle blowouts so an accident won’t be caused?

Yes and yes.

Federal regulations help keep highways and interstates safe by setting minimum standards for tires. The standards include:

• No hazardous defects. Tires cannot have belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall, show tread or sidewall separation, or leak audibly.
• Minimum tread depth. For front wheels, tread groove pattern depths must be at least 4/32 of an inch on major tread grooves. Other wheels must have a depth of at least 2/32 of an inch.

The regulations expect truckers to inspect tire safety before every trip in an effort to prevent tragic accidents. And breaking these laws creates the potential for punitive damages.

To get a good South Carolina semi-trailer accident settlement, especially if the case might involve punitive damages, you need help from a professional who knows how to get and present the evidence to make the case. Find out how we can help in a free*, no pressure strategy session with a Spartanburg, SC 18 wheeler accident attorney. Call toll free at (864) 582-0416 or fill out a Get Help Now form.

Truckers Know How to Safely Handle a Tire Blowout

Tire blowouts can cause an 80,000-pound road monster to careen out of control. The South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License manual teaches truck drivers to recognize and respond to tire blowouts.

• Recognition. Tire blowouts often come with a loud “bang.” They can also make the semi thump or vibrate. When a front tire fails, the steering can feel heavy. Frighteningly, rear-tire failure can cause the trailer to slide back and forth uncontrollably in a violent fishtail.
• Response. In a blowout, the truck driver must hold the steering wheel firmly. This is especially true for a front-tire blowout, which can twist the steering wheel out of the driver’s hands. Truckers must resist the urge to brake—hard braking could actually cause loss of control.

Take Action If the Trucker or Trucking Company Didn’t

If you get hurt or worse, lose a loved one in a fatal accident, you can hold the trucker and possibly the trucking company accountable.

If you need questions answered, fill out our Get Help Now form or call (864) 582-0416 to set up a free strategy session with an experienced trucking accident lawyer.