Last March we had a right rear outer duel tire go flat. At a tire shop they found a small hole about the size of a large nail but there was no nail, just the hole. A couple of days later I talked to a...
This is why I carry a plug kit in my vehicles. And, yes, it is possible to pick up a nail that punctures the tire and then be thrown off.
I would suggest looking in front of ALL tires before taking off. Though, that won't help for any nails that may be in your path as you travel across the country.