Florida’s tropical climate is unlike many other states. Florida has a rainy season that spans from May through October. It is during this time that AAA advises drivers to take a moment to check on car maintenance. Specifically, tire tread. The rainy season in the state can be intense and worn out tires will put a driver at serious risk of slipping and spinning out of control causing an accident.
Why Tire Tread is Important on Wet Roads
Tire tread on wet roads, whether it is hot or cold, makes a difference. The tread gives your car the ability to grab onto the surface of the road and keep your car firmly gripping the road. If your tires are old, worn, or smooth, driving on a slick surface can be akin to ice skating. You will have little to no ability to control your vehicle. A serious accident is not out of the question. Frighteningly, a large portion of Americans, up to 35% do not know that their tires are worn out.
If you take a moment to check your tires, you are doing yourself a world of good. It can be very easy to forget about them and just jump in your car when you have to run an errand. However, the last place you want to find out that your tires are bald is when you are sliding across the road uncontrollably. That is not just a scary situation, it is an immensely dangerous one for you and any other driver on the road.
Even if your car is outfitted with all the safety features money can buy, those features can’t save you if you have bald tires. If you are traveling on a wet highway, even at the posted speed limit, a passenger sedan with worn-out tires will have their handling reduced by 33% and light trucks will have a reduction of 28%.
Are There Laws in Florida Relating to Car Maintenance?
Drivers in the state must have a minimum tread of 1/16 of an inch. It is considered negligent on the part of the driver if they fail to maintain their car, especially if that failure caused an accident. If your tires are bald or worn-out and you lose control of your vehicle, causing a crash, you are going to be held responsible for the injuries and damages you caused in an accident.
It is best to always keep up with your car maintenance to ensure your car is running at its optimum capability. Your car can malfunction and put you in a position where you are unable to gain control. This is a dangerous situation for you, your passengers, and others sharing the roads with you.
Have You Been Injured in an Accident in Florida?
After an accident that was not your fault, where you or your passengers sustained injuries, you have the right to fight for compensation to recoup your damages. An Orlando automobile accident attorney at the Vaughan Law Group can help you put together a strong claim.
The Orlando personal injury attorneys at the Vaughan Law Group have extensive experience aggressively fighting on behalf of victims in the state who are injured by negligent parties. We offer over three decades of experience providing effective legal representation to victims in Florida. Don’t wait to call the Vaughan Law Group’s team of Florida serious injury attorneys at (407) 648-1426 to schedule your free consultation.
