Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents today. Smartphones, kids, food, the radio, and additional passengers are all causes for distraction while driving, and those distractions can result in losing control of the vehicle or not stopping on time.

Distracted driving policies, such as cell phone bans, have been put in place by lawmakers throughout the past decade. But, policy only prevents so much: it is easy to get distracted while driving.

So, what’s the best way to combat distracted driving? Well, the “best way” hasn’t been determined, but the quality of a vehicle’s tires may be one of the best preventers of accidents caused by distracted driving.

The ability to stop suddenly or change lanes on command is essential on the road. When a car slams on it’s brakes in front of you, you have very little time to react and when there are other distractions around you that time is shortened still. That’s where our tires come in: “your tires are the only part of your vehicles that grips the road,” and could be the part of your vehicle that saves your life.

That’s why making sure your tires are in tip-top shape is so important.  Without the adequate tread depth, the traction of tires decreases and puts you at greater risk for losing control. Tire tread depth get worn down over time, and it’s not something you notice from afar.  In order to check the tread depth on your vehicle’s tires, you’ll have to get down on your hands and knees — but it’s worth it.

Grab a penny from the change jar and bring it out to your car.  Bend down, and place the penny upside down in to a tread groove on any one of your tires.  If part of Lincoln’s head is covered up by the tread, then your tire still has ample traction. But, if you can see all of our former president’s head then you should replace your tires as soon as possible.

The director of product planning at the Yokohama Tire Corporation offers a few more tire tips in an article from the News Miner [article no longer available from source]:

• Regularly check your tire pressure.  You can find the recommendation on the tire inflation level from the car maker on a placard in most vehicle’s glove box
• Check the tire alignment once a year. Misaligned tired causes unwarranted tire wear and lower the mileage on your car.
• Rotating your tires will prevent uneven tread wear and ensure a better ride. It’s best to rotate your tires a few times a year.

Everyone here at Ringstad Law Office, P.C. bids everyone safe travel this fall and, as the season changes, we encourage you to check your tires!