Steer Tire Blowout? Share your Story

[runflat]

It is my understanding that steer tire blowouts have caused some of the worse accidents and rollovers. If you've experienced one, or know someone who has, please share it. Thanks.

[Apostolic]

I'm a retired UPS Freight city driver.
I had 45 years,and 2 months of being a trucker.
In that long career I only had 2 steer tire blow outs.
I was driving at a low speed so both times I was able to control my steering into the curb on a city street.

I also had 2 left rear outside trailer tires blow out.

The first one really exploded shredding it down the side of a country road,which didn't do anymore than blow my mudflap apart as well.

I called in,and our fleet service came out and changed it.

However the second one blew my mudflap bracket through my trailer floor,launching the rubber flap toward the windshield of a car traveling in the hammer lane about three car lenghts to my left.

Thank God the wind took it up over his car,and it landed on the road side.
I was doing 65 when it blew out.

I didn't see where the flap went myself.
I got off at the next exit of the expressway,going to a near by tire vendor,to get it changed out.
The car driver followed me to the tire shop,and told me what had happened with my mudflap.
He was really shook up,almost screaming at me.
I said do you have any damage to your car?
He looked it over very closly and said no,no damage.
I said well theres nothing I can do for you,sorry it happened but you never no when a recap is going to let go.
He didn't say any more,just jumped in his car,and took off.

When I returned from that route,I asked who would be at fault in a case like that?
My TM said probably you the driver,then asked if I pre triped?

Well of course I always check everything before I go,but you really can't tell about something like that without looking at every square inch of every tire.
Then you've got to know what to look for.

I really enjoyed being a trucker for all those years but I'm glad I'm done now its getting to crazy on how the driver is being faulted for everything now days!

[grocery thrower]

I have only had one, it was the left steer, I was driving an International cabover, one of those like JB Hunt used to run, where you actually sit in front of the axle, I think they call them busses, I was doing 70mph on the turnpike and I felt the truck start to shake, I started pulling over right away, it just didn't feel right, by the time I got stopped it had shaken pretty violently, the tire was almost gone, I didn't have a cell phone back then, early 90's so I went to bed there on the shoulder and in the morning got on the radio and had another driver give me a ride to the service plaza where I called for service, he came to the plaza and picked me up, changed the tire and I was on my way again.

[Boats]

It's happened to me twice. The first time was on I95 South in New Haven,CT. I was running a set of wiggle wagons in morning rush hour traffic coming around one of those famous bends on I95 in CT. I heard this big boom I thought I lost the set or something. Until I felt the steering wheel jerk violently. Man was that a ride. Luckly I kept the set up right and just pulled over on the shoulder. I had to change my shorts, when I pulled over. If you know what I mean.

[grocery thrower]

Originally Posted by Boats

It's happened to me twice. The first time was on I95 South in New Haven,CT. I was running a set of wiggle wagons in morning rush hour traffic coming around one of those famous bends on I95 in CT. I heard this big boom I thought I lost the set or something. Until I felt the steering wheel jerk violently. Man was that a ride. Luckly I kept the set up right and just pulled over on the shoulder. I had to change my shorts, when I pulled over. If you know what I mean.

No doubt!!! I would have had to change mine too!! I guess I should say, my tire went down very quickly, it didn't blow, I realized that when I read your story Boats, I was lucky on that deal, I know there are alot of our brothers and sisters that have not been so lucky.

[sourpickle]

I had one on the passenger side steering tier. I was going about 65MPH when it blew on me. And what sux about it is that it blew on a bridge. And it started to pull me hard right. I tough i was going to go over the bridge. But I was able to hold it and get off the freeway. It happen the day before thanksgiving. Never for get it.