Truck drivers dread tire blowouts for good reason because they can cause loss of control. However, loss of control happens because the commercial or owner operator truck driver didn’t know how to deal with the situation and panicked. Your ability to safely handle your rig will depend on knowing what to do beforehand, remaining calm during the emergency, and the road and traffic situation when the blowout occurs. The following information will work provided you have sufficient road space ahead of you and the situation doesn’t require quick stopping.
1 – Don’t Brake
Although hitting the brakes is the common reaction to an emergency because you want to slow down, it is the wrong thing to do when a tire blows out, especially if it’s a front tire. Keep your foot off the brake because hitting the brakes is what causes rapid loss of control. When you have a front tire blowout, you will feel a force pulling your truck in the same direction as the side with the blown out tire. Braking will pull your truck even harder in this direction.
2 – Accelerate
Acceleration lifts the front of the truck and will take weight off the blown out tire which reduces the side pull. This makes steering easier with the intact tire.
3 – Steer Your Commercial or Owner Operator Truck with Both Hands
With your foot on the gas, steer as necessary to remain in your lane and gradually move over to the shoulder. Apply only enough gas to steer, then allow the truck to come to a stop while letting up on the gas. You will need both hands on the steering wheel because it will jerk toward the side with the blowout.
Additional tips:
- If your cruise control is on, disengage it immediately.
- Always wear your seat belt. Its restraining action makes it easier to control your truck during emergencies.
- Keep both hands on the steering wheel as much as possible because a blowout will strongly pull your truck to the side.
- Always have some power in reserve so that you can accelerate when needed.
- Always inspect your tires before starting your trip.
Remember that you must know what to do in advance because you won’t have time to figure things out. Rehearse these steps in your head several times so that your reactions will be the right ones.
Being prepared not only means knowing how to handle emergencies, but being insured against accidents. If you have questions about commercial or owner operator truck insurance in South Carolina, contact us.
