Inflate your tires! That’s what a consumer advisory, from the U.S. Department of Transportation says all motorists should do before setting out on long road trips during these hot summer months.
Drivers should make sure that their tires are properly inflated and they should check for signs of tread wear and damage. If your tires are not up to par, you increase your risks of getting into a car accident in New York and elsewhere throughout the country. The consumer advisory was released just in time to coincide with National Tire Safety Week.
Our New York personal injury attorneys understand that many people will be enjoying their summer vacations over the next few months. During these summer months, motorists hit the road in full force as the amount of driving increases across the country. All motorists are urged to check out this consumer advisory and to check their vehicles to reduce the risks of a fatal accident.
“As the weather warms up, it’s especially important for drivers to ensure their tires are properly inflated,” Secretary Ray LaHood said. “For your safety and the safety of others on the road, inspect your tires regularly and maintain the proper inflation.”
According to the Department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, recent data taken from 2005 to 2009 illustrates that roughly 3,400 people died because of these tire-related accidents. Another 116,000 people were injured during these preventable incidents.
“While it’s true improperly maintained tires can contribute to a crash at any time of year, it is particularly critical for motorists to check tires during hot weather, when families and luggage often overload vehicles for long vacation trips,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland warned. “Underinflated tires spinning on hot asphalt for extended periods of time can be a recipe for disaster.”
DOT urges that all motorists check their tires regularly, but especially before long trips taken in the hot summer months. It is also recommended that you keep an eye on the age of your tires as old tired are more susceptible to heat stress. This danger only increases if the tires are under-inflated. Everyone should take a look at the tire sidewall to see just how old their tires are. You can also check with the tire manufacturer or the vehicle owner’s manual for the recommended time for how often to change tires.
If not for your safety, check your tires often to help you save some cash. Keeping your tire pressure low is pretty much equivalent to tossing money out the window. If you properly inflate your tires, you can help to save on you vehicle’s fuel economy. According to the Department of Energy, tires that are not properly inflated can lower your vehicle’s gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 PSI (pound per square inch) that is low in all four tires.
Let’s do the math. If your vehicle has a fuel-economy rating of 30 miles per gallon and a the tires have a recommended 35 PSI and you experience a drop of 25 percent in tire pressure, that would mean that you’re losing 8.8 percent in your vehicle’s fuel economy. That also means you’re losing out on 2.6 miles per gallon. Add it up and that’s a lot of wasted cash!
Whichever reason you choose to keep your tires properly inflated, just make sure you do it!
If you or a loved one has been seriously or fatally injured in a New York City car accident, contact personal injury lawyer Nicholas Rose for consultation about your rights. To make a free and confidential appointment call 1-877-313-ROSE (7673).
More Blog Entries:
Knowledge of Road Rules can Prevent New York Car Accidents, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, June 8, 2011
New York Car Accidents Place State in Top Ten for Most Costly State, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, May 19, 2011
New Car Seat Recommendations Reduce Risk of Child Injuries in New York Car Accidents, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, April 15, 2011
