Bam Crash - Don’t Get A Flat Tire
There are many hazards out there on the roadways. Beyond bad weather and road construction there are other drivers to worry about. We are taught defensive driving so that we can protect ourselves from the mistakes made by other drivers. Who teaches us how to protect ourselves from our own mistakes? People make simple mistakes all the time that lead to accidents and I want to talk about one of the most common errors drivers make.
Having a tire go flat while driving leads to many accidents that can easily be avoided if drivers can learn to think more and react less. If you get a flat tire while driving you must resist the urge to slam on your brakes. When we find ourselves in automotive danger, our first instinct is usually to get the car stopped. This is not a bad idea. What is important is how quickly you come to a stop.
If you are driving on a highway and get a flat tire and brake too drastically, you risk causing an unnecessary accident. Apply minimal pressure to your brakes and slow down slowly. A flat tire can make it very difficult to steer properly and if you brake too hard you may lose control of your vehicle. It is important to get your vehicle out of the flow of traffic but do so slowly.
When your car gets a flat tire while driving, steer straight until you have slowed down. Try to alert other drivers by turning on your hazard lights if you can. Once you have slowed down, steer your vehicle gently off of the road. Be sure to park far enough away from the roadway so that you can address the flat tire without putting yourself at risk of being hit by oncoming traffic.
The best way to avoid the dangers of getting a flat tire is to keep an eye on your tire pressure. Check your tires every week or so and make sure that they are not over or under-filled. This is a quick and easy way to ensure your driving safety. Keep an appropriate spare tire in your trunk and the necessary tools in case of a flat tire. Make sure that your hazard lights are in working condition once a week and most importantly, stay calm when driving. Having a tire go flat does not have to be a dangerous occurrence. If you stay on top of your reactions, you can navigate through this and any driving danger.
