Local Attorney Advocates for Safety in Wake of Fatal Tire blowout and Rollover Crash

In light of a tragic recent fatal tire blowout on I-75 that caused a high-speed rollover crash, I would like to take this opportunity to say my heart goes out to all involved and also to review some traffic safety tips and laws that just may save a life.  

This Norcross, Ga., family was not so lucky and mourns the loss of one family member, who failed to wear her safety belt.  According to the Florida Highway Patrol, five of the truck's eight passengers, some of whom also failed to wear safety belts, were ejected from the vehicle as it rolled over. 

Tire Blowouts:

As an accident attorney, I see largely preventable tragedy that may be caused, in part, by poor tire maintenance.  First, I'd like to urge motorists to exercise good tire maintenance during the summer driving season-and year round.  Summer heat adds stress to an underinflated or poorly maintained tire, causing a blowout. 

Rollover Accidents:

Second, a tire blowout may cause a "tripped" rollover accident, which is particularly fatal at high speeds.  A major danger posed by rollover crashes occurs when an occupant fails to wear a safety belt, is ejected, and then crushed by the rolling car. Single-car rollover crashes are particularly deadly. Surprisingly, approximately 90% of fatal rollovers involve a single vehicle engaged in routine driving maneuvers like driving straight ahead.

Vehicle Overloading:

Third, overloading a car causes a vehicle to exceed the maximum recommended weight limit.  Overloading adds stress to tires and may cause tires to overheat.  While we don't know whether the family's 2002 GMC Yukon was overloaded, we do know there were eight passengers.  It's surprising how easily a vehicle can be overloaded, if you add some luggage or other cargo.  Check your car's maximum weight limit.

Safety Belts:

Finally, safety belts may be the single most important, life-saving safety device.  In fact, 72% of those killed in rollover crashes failed to properly wear a seat belt (2002).  Please review child seatbelt and safety restraint laws.  Every child (under the age of 18 years), who travels in a vehicle on a Florida roadway, must wear a safety belt or be properly restrained in a safety seat.  At least two of the children in this accident, ages 4 and 9, were not properly buckled up.  Additionally, all drivers and front seat passengers must wear safety belts.  Seatbelts save lives.

As an experienced Florida car accident attorney, I'd like to remind motorists that many crashes may be preventable with safe driving habits and proper vehicle maintenance.  Please contact my office with any safety questions, resulting from this tragedy, or see other Florida traffic tips on www.meldonlaw.com.