OK, I watched Mythbusters the other day and got totally freaked out. They said that when semi busts a tire, the rubber can actually decapitate you! How often to semi tires blow? I am now so nervous driving on the interstate. I see tires on the side of the road everywhere, but never have seen a tire blow...
2007-06-07 23:03:31 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
This happens to semi's alot less then as cars and trucks.But,it does happen from time to time. But for the most part a driver is to inspect his truck for these kind of things before he drives his truck. I have never heard of one ever decapitating someone and I have grown up with truck drivers all my life. Heck, I am getting ready to marry one,lol. I was in a truck when it blow one time and it took awhile before we ever noticed that it had blown, another driver had to tell us. Most generally though they stay on the rim. Now most of what you see on the highway is from the trailer because they are different then what you put on a rig. It's what they call retread. This is like if you took a tire and glued the tread of another tire on it. I was following a truck that blow a tire and the retread came back and hit the front of my car. It really only left the tread mark on my car but no damage. The tread make came off when I washed it. Don't let this make you nervous, the chance of you getting hit by a car is greater than a blow rig or trailer tire hurting you. But if you do happen to see a rig or trailer tire that is blown please try and let the driver know so he can get his/her truck off the road for the safety of them and other motorists on the road.
2007-06-07 23:21:39 · answer #1 · answered by crazykickincna 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Semi-trucks do blow tires so do cars the centrifugal force is what causes the damage. a tire on any vehicle is apt to blow if no. 1 the air pressure is not maintained properly no.2 the tire must have proper tread depth of at least 2/32 of an inch. The tread is what causes traction but also lets the tire cool as it is going down the road, heat is the no. 1 problem with tires blowing. But the problem here is the myth that trucks ar dangerous no matter what that's is true to a point. they can't stop as fast as cars, they can't maneuver like a car. Be careful around trucks and pay attention because the driver may not see you. make sure you are seen and everyone will be ok. don't be scared because that only causes fear panick and accidents.
2007-06-08 08:18:12 · answer #2 · answered by storyteller 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The condition of the truck is a good indicator of what kind of condition the tires are in. If the truck looks like it is in good repair, good chance the driver has checked the tires. If the truck looks like a rolling junk yard, chances are they don't bother to check the tires either.
The only way I can see physical injury due to a blown tire is to someone on a motorcycle. As for someone driving in their car, etc... just don't follow so closely and you'll lessen the damage that may be caused to your vehicle.
As a transport driver, all I can say is "Lead or follow... never run beside a semi". Not all blown tires shred to bits. Many stay on the rims. A good driver will hear the blow out and be able to pull off the road safely.
2007-06-08 07:38:05 · answer #3 · answered by short shrimp 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can happen, they would not make a bogus claim on the show.
But, I am a former newspaper reporter and news/tirivia junkie.
I am 50 and this has never happend in my career or following news and events. They do fracture on the highway and can cause accidents as you freak when the tire is coming in your path.
But what you saw on TV has not happened in my memory.
And if you are nervous avoid the big trucks.
2007-06-08 01:25:29 · answer #4 · answered by Michael M 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
While I'm sure it could happen, you don't need to worry about it. I've never heard of this happening to someone. I'm sure if you listened to the whole Myth Buster's episode they would have told you that the chances of decapitation happening are slim to none.
2007-06-08 04:10:34 · answer #5 · answered by Adam the Engineer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had one blow right in front of me and smash my windshield and take out one headlight and one fog light. The truck kept going, but my insurance took care of it. So, if it could smash a windshield at highway speeds, I'm sure it could do some damage to a person
2007-06-08 10:58:18 · answer #6 · answered by Rawbert 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it all depends on the tyre if it is a retread under inflated worn out ect
i wouldnt get to worried about that you probly have more of a chance of being hit by lightning then that happening ive done about 1.8 million kys and only done 3 tyres in that time
2007-06-08 00:00:59 · answer #7 · answered by H W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes ! ! ! it is very possible ,,,, I suppose you havent seen any of the adds about big trucks and their "BLIND SPOTS " ??
wHEN YOU COME UP BEHIND A RIG AND YOU CANNOT SEE THE DRIVER IN THEIR MIRROR THEN THERE IS A CHANCE THEY CANNOT SEE YOU EITHER ! ! !
BEST IS NOT TO RUN ALONG SIDE OF A BIG RIG ,,,
Most states have done away with "SPLIT SPEED LIMITS "
So if there is somthin up ahead ,,, that might get ya ! ! Heck just lay back and let da big boys clear the way for ya ! ! ! ???
2007-06-08 14:38:41 · answer #8 · answered by Littlebear 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you may be worrying over something that may never happen, tho I do understand your concerned.
When you Number is up! It's UP!
you should be concerned in driving safely so that other around you are safe, this applies to all drivers.
You'll be fine.
I hope this helps.
2007-06-08 15:01:14 · answer #9 · answered by Just me! 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they really dont blow often but they do. It depends on how often the driver checks hes tires
2007-06-07 23:11:59 · answer #10 · answered by Mickael P 1 · 1⤊ 3⤋