Anatomy of Accidents Following Tire Disablements

This paper will present an overview of research relating to tire-related accident studies and case studies in evaluating specific accident situations where tire disablements were also encountered. This paper also presents a comprehensive examination of selected accidents following tire disablements. Tire disablements include blowouts, tread separations, punctures, airouts, etc.

Methodology for studying vehicle performance during tread separation is presented as well as results of full-scale tests where tread separations were induced. In this manner, vehicle transient response during tire disablements is also discussed. This paper also addresses warning signs preceding tire disablements that often accompany tread separation, as well as the human response in these situations.