There are many ways that large trucks can cause accidents on roads throughout Illinois. One of these ways happens when something causes the wheels and tires to fall off of a truck. While they might not seem harmful, spinning wheels and tires hurtling down a road are incredibly dangerous.
Why is truck debris so dangerous?
A truck’s steel wheels and the tires around them are incredibly heavy. Truck wheels and tires are also much larger than those found on smaller passenger vehicles. Considering the large size of these items, they’re not easy for even the most focused drivers to avoid hitting.
Since they came off of a moving vehicle, these wheels and tires are likely moving down the road at high speeds. Combining the size, weight and speed of these tires, it should come as no surprise that this type of truck debris often causes fatalities.
What happens after a truck accident occurs?
If you are the victim of a truck accident, one of the first things to do is contact the police. This is a vital step that everyone performs after motor vehicle accidents. Contacting the police also allows a law enforcement officer to investigate and document the details of this accident.
From this point, investigators will delve further into what caused a truck’s wheels and tires to fall off. A few common reasons why these types of accidents occur can be due to:
- A failing wheel bearing
- Defective tires from a manufacturer
- Poorly installed wheels or tires
- Driving on excessively worn tires
In closing, flying truck debris like wheels and tires can be extremely dangerous. Because it’s impossible to prepare for flying truck debris, the best way to protect yourself against it is to remain alert behind the wheel.