How far is it safe to drive on a blown tire?
Here is the scenario. Traveling on a busy interstate. We hear the trailer tire pop an the curb side. We pull to the shoulder and get out and inspect the tire. It is definitely unreapairable. There doe...
Forum Discussion
RRinNFla wrote:Coach-man wrote:
"It probably won't hurt anything" ?? First as stated, you will hurt your other tire, and possibly the wheel, and if the rubber slings off, your rig! Secondly, Interstates have minimum speeds, "to limp to a safe location.." Is to create a hazardous situation on the highway! This could cause accidents, and traffic tie ups for hundreds if not thousands of people! IMHO, this is the worst advice, and from an ex trooper?
In nearly every state, minimum speed limits do not apply if it would result in unsafe operation. Under Florida statute, a vehicle on a limited access highway which is forced to travel below minimum speed must travel in the right lane. It is not clear to me whether or not the use of flashers is required or prohibited. The language is confusing.
So, the choice is between two hazardous situations. What if the tire that needed to be replaced were on the street side of the trailer. With the narrow shoulders is some places, that might require having a travel lave closed in order to complete the repair. That seems to me as creating a more hazardous condition than limping along at below minimum speed.
So, your on an interstate, where the speed limit is 65 or 70 MPH, and you think it is ok to drive at 5MPH, if that is not unsafe operation I do not know what is! People coming up behind will have to slam on brakes, change lanes, and create a massive backup! And your ok with that?? There are people on cell phones and/or texting that might slam into your rig, (hope it is a smart car, and not a 60,000 lbs 18 wheeler driven by a driver who is dozing off! Your driving on 3 wheels on a rig designed for 4! You have 25% less stopping power, and can not maneuver very well. Again unsafe, unsafe, unsafe! You pull off the road the best you can do, and call someone who is equipped to mount the spare, anything less is putting yourself, your family and perfect strangers happening by at great risk of property and personal injury and or death! How does that justify trying to save $50 bucks??
