It is recommended that truck drivers should check tire pressure prior to and during every road trip, and monthly and regular maintenance for the prevention of uneven tire wear and tire failure.
Tire Related Studies
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) put out a new study that determined that underinflated tires of 25% or less are 3x likely to be involved in a crash related to tire issues versus vehicles with properly inflated tires. 25% underinflated tires are at risk of overheating and prone to failure, which also cause poor handling and short tread life.
Crash data for this study was between 2005 and 2007, which is before tire-pressure monitoring systems were required to be installed on all vehicles. Law required that all 2008 vehicles alert drivers of underinflated tires of 25% or more of the recommended inflation level of the vehicle. Monitoring systems are designed to alert drivers of tires that are losing air pressure, but are not to be used as a replacement for checking tires every month.
This study also determined that 5% of all vehicles had tire problems immediately before an accident. Accidents can be tied to other factors as well, such as bad weather, inexperienced driver, etc.
A study in 2009 found that 57% of vehicles with tire-pressure monitoring systems had tires unproperly inflated tires.
Monitor Tire Wear and Tire Pressure
Tread depth should also be monitored, in addition to tire pressure. This study showed that tire-related accidents are likely as tire tread deteriorates; only 2.5% of accidents occurred when tires were newer versus 26% percent when the tires were worn..
Thumping tires and using a tire pressure gauge to regularly check tire pressure are good ways to avoid these tire issues, increase tire life, and lower the risk of a related crash.
Equip operators with the proper tools needed and promote safety to help them avoid injury.
The OPNBar tool, for instance, can help avoid some injuries by providing an ergonomic means of opening shipping containers, checking for low-pressure tires, and aiding operators in releasing the tractor from the trailer. Please be sure to read OPNBar Extended Instructions & Precautions Safer Grip by OPNBar™️ are ideal work gloves for all-day use for light manufacturing, warehouse operators, and for use in maintenance areas. Safer Grip gloves by OPNBar are ideal multi-purpose work gloves for various applications like trucking and delivery, warehouses, maintenance areas, light manufacturing, and carpentry. They are also great for gardening, and various outdoor activities that require grip in wet conditions, like boating, fishing, hiking, and biking, and can help protect hands while providing extra grip when handling tools and materials.Citations
Underinflated tires significantly increase the risk of truck accidents due to several factors:
- Increased Likelihood of Tire-Related Crashes: Vehicles operating with tires underinflated by more than 25% are three times more likely to be involved in tire-related crashes compared to those with properly inflated tires.
- Elevated Risk of Blowouts: Underinflation leads to increased friction and heat buildup, which can cause tire blowouts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that underinflated tires contribute to approximately 41 vehicular-related deaths annually due to blowouts.
- Compromised Vehicle Handling: Driving on underinflated tires can impair a vehicle’s handling, making it harder to control, especially in emergency situations. This compromised handling increases the risk of accidents.
- Increased Risk of Hydroplaning: Underinflated tires can lead to compromised vehicle handling, increasing the risk of hydroplaning at lower speeds than properly inflated tires.
Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for ensuring vehicle safety, optimal handling, and preventing accidents.