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The importance of keeping tires properly inflated and well maintained has come into focus recently due to the unusually high number of rollover accidents involving SUVs and 15 passenger vans. Because these vehicles have a high center of gravity they are particularly prone to tipping, even at speeds as low as 35 MPH. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a number of warnings about this condition since its first in 2001. In the article “Grieving Parents Cite Dangers With Popular Church Vans,” authored by Yvonne Betowt, Texas lawyer, Jeff Wigington claimed NHTSA has taken unprecedented action to caution the public. In fact, Wigington claims NHTSA has gone to even greater lengths to warn consumers about this rollover condition than it did when the notorious Ford Pinto’s fuel tank was exploding upon impact a number of years ago. Aside from the fact that the extended tail sections on 15 passenger vans place far too much weight behind the rear axles, which increases the chances that drivers will lose control in sudden swerves, the extra weight from the long body and additional passengers is hard on rear tires, sometimes causing separation of the tread. When tread separates on a front or rear tire, it doesn’t really matter what kind of a vehicle you are diving, it is likely you will crash. According to the article mentioned above, Mark Smith and his wife, Cindy, as well as two other parents lost children in a crash that occurred near Monterrey, Mexico when the tread on a new left rear tire of a church van that carried them on a mission trip separated. In addition to the three deaths, several other passengers were seriously injured in the crash. While Kathleen Vokes, spokeswoman for Ford placed blame on what was deemed a faulty tire rather than on the design of Ford Econoline E350 van they occupied, Mark Smith maintains that excessive weight caused the tire failure that led to the accident. The Smith’s as well as the other victim’s families were awarded an undisclosed sum of money in a class action lawsuit against Ford and Michelin. Seeking something positive from the loss of their loved ones, the families pooled a portion of their settlement money and begun Van Angels, a company intent on educating consumers about the dangers of 15 passenger vans. The company also helps churches and schools retrofit vans they already own and can’t afford to replace by adding duel wheels on the rear axle. Having four tires on the rear instead of two allows for greater distribution of weight; less heat buildup in each tire; and hopefully less separation of the tread. It also gives the vans more stability during quick maneuvers, thereby making them less prone to tipping over. When considering the safety systems and parts on cars that make the difference between life and death for occupants, tires are among the most important. Because we realize the important role tires play in safe operation of a motor vehicle, we wanted to take this opportunity to point readers to tire warnings issued by NHTSA. In addition, we wanted to identify some sites on the Internet where information on tires and tire maintenance can be found. We trust you will use the information to keep your car well maintained and your families safe as you drive. Click this link for additional background information:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration links:
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For more than ten years, David Williams of Wheelersburg, Ohio's Safe Collision Repairs has worked with consumers and attorneys in the tri-states of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia to expose unsafe auto repairs and maximize recovery on auto insurance claims. Some of the company's services include Post-Repair Inspections, Prepurchase Inspections, Auto Damage Assessments, Lemon Law Investigations, Expert Court Testimony and Diminished Value Calculations using an advanced version of Network Information Communication's WreckCheck program.
The content expressed on this website and in the article above represents the opinions of David A. Williams. Williams is neither an attorney nor public insurance adjuster, but is an expert, consultant, and writer specializing in the field of automotive collision repair and valuations. The information provided herein is not intended to be a substitute for legal or insurance advice. Because collision repair is a continually evolving science, any text, materials or links found herein are provided without claim or guarantee to their accuracy or completeness. |
