Front tire blowout! Old hands critique please!!

Don't forget to throw in a Hooters restaurant in there too. A guy's gotta have a little fun out there as well. That would be a great TS lol.

 

I've had two passenger side steer tire blowouts. I drive a company truck that's governed at 65 mph. During both blowouts, I was running against the govenor, as I usually do. This may not be the safest way to drive, but I'll admit that I usually drive this way (and I expect that I'm not alone). The first thing to remember is to have control of the steering wheel at all times. That sounds pretty fundamental, but I can't count the times I've seen drivers reaching for something with both hands while driving with their knee, or pretending they're behind a set of drums banging on their dash, or holding a drink in one hand and a burger with the other and steering with their elbow. The second thing to remember is don't panic. You'll probably hear the "bang" of the blowout, followed almost instaneously by a hard pull of the steering wheel in the direction of the tire that blew. Just maintain your grip of the wheel, while maintaining your speed and keep control of your vehicle and your wits. What I did next worked for me both times, but it's not in the safety video. I gradually reduced my speed by letting off the accelerator very slowly and once the truck was under 50 mph, I started using the trolley (trailer) brake very gently. I gradually eased the truck to the shoulder and once I was under 20 mph, I used the brake pedal, albeit very softly. Maybe I was just lucky, but like I said, this method has worked twice for me.

 

Freebird,

Not sure about that ADVICE you're getting !!!! Might want to verify it, !!!!!

 

Yup, this works. Happened twice to me too, both times in 2 lane bridges. Both times by hitting an object somebody had dropped (landing gear pad and steel sidebar off a flatbed) where I couldn't maneuver around em because of traffic in opposing lane. Main thing is hold on tight to that steery wheel 'cause it's gonna do it's damndest to yank outa your hands.... and then yer butt is toast.

This brings up another point. I notice a re-birth of the "spinner knob" attatched to the steering wheel. Us "old guys" know these as "Wrist Busters" precisely because of this circumstance. They are the mark of an amateur.

 

the thing is i can ask 10 different drivers the same question and get 7 different answers....a 30 year driver should know what hes talking about

 

But it makes backing up a lot easier.

 

Freebird,

Not tryin to argue..a jackknife can be straightened out on very few occasions. And mainly in the very beginning of the jackknife. Years of driving is a moot point, in my opinion........to some extent. Just don't want everyone to think that mashin the gas will help much.......

 

I always knew them as "suicide knobs"...they have a place on a yard goat wheel...but OTR or even a local driver should refrain from the "ease" they are supposed to give. If something happens and that steering wheel jerks out of your grip...that now is going to be a major hindrance to regaining control.

 

If you can't drive without one...You can't drive!