A recent study released by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration states that under inflated tires was a contributor to many crash related deaths in the United States between 1999 and 2007. This was interesting news to me as I have recently been concerned about low tire pressure being an issue in saving gas mileage on my New Ford Explorer from Collinsville Jack Schmitt Ford Dealer. The NHTSA study shows that, in 1999, under inflated tires contributed to 247, or 0.8 percent, of 32,061 fatalities and 23,100, or 0.8 percent, of almost 3 million injuries were caused by vehicles driven on under inflated tires. The study by the Government agency also estimates that 41 vehicular-related deaths occur annually because of blowouts alone from under inflated tires. The under inflated tires cause the accidents because it greatly reduces the maneuverability control a driver has over the vehicle when faced with adverse circumstances. Ford vehicles are equipped with the latest in technology to help drivers maintain control over their vehicle. But if there’s one thing drivers can do to insure the safety of their vehicle it is to check the pressure in their tires on a regular basis.
Reasons for the under inflation of tires can be attributed to many factors. Poor maintenance of the tires, poor driving habits, punctures in the tires, hazardous and degrading road conditions, or the quality of material used in tire construction are some of the many factors to be considered in the low inflation issue.
This is part 1 of a 2 part article written for the Jack Schmitt Ford Dealership blog. To find out more information about the study conducted by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration, please check back on our blog for part 2.
Underinflated Tires Linked To Crash Deaths-Part 2
Recently, the National Highway Transportation and Safety administration released a report that linked some crash deaths to the under inflation of tires. Under inflated tires disable a driver from appropriately controlling the vehicle. This reduced control creates an environment for the driver that may assist in the cause of an accident.
The report, released by the government agency points out that underinflated tires impact a driver’s ability to control a vehicle against “skidding, blowouts, and other tire failures”. Although this does not account for a major portion of deaths caused by vehicle related accidents, it is significant enough that the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration want people to be aware of the issue. Driver awareness of any issue only creates an environment that keeps drivers safer. In addition to under inflated tires being the cause of some accidents, it also decreases the gas mileage a driver gets while on the road. Under inflated tires cause less resistance where the tire meets the road and therefore the vehicle has to work harder per rotation. This causes a slight decrease in gas mileage. The bottom line: Drivers would be wise to regularly check the air pressure in their tires. Its saves gas money and it saves lives. Drivers can easily find the amount of air recommended for their tires by checking their car manual, or by visiting their local Ford dealer and consulting with one of its knowledgeable employees.