Houston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Slippery when wet is a caution we should expect to see regularly over the next few months as inclement weather becomes the norm across the nation. But what are the dangers of slippery roadways? Let's consider these in this article.

*Slippery roads are especially dangerous to drivers whose vehicles have worn tires. When the tread is worn down on a car then it is not able to grip the road as well. When a driver puts on his or her brakes the vehicle will begin to hydroplane across the highway instead of slowing or stopping the car or truck. A hydroplaning vehicle is much like a sled. It is impossible to maneuver - almost having gained a mind of its own. It will slip and slide on the road until coming to a stop - which usually happens in a collision.

*Even if a driver has new tires with thick new tread - on roadways in which the water has built up it can get into the treads of the tires. When this happens the driver is no longer driving on the pavement but on a layer of water instead. Again - as in the case of worn tires - the vehicle can hydroplane when the brakes are applied.

The most valuable driving behavior to adopt when roads are wet is to slow down and leave ample stopping distance between you and the car or truck in front of you. Drive defensively - because you never know when another vehicle will hydroplane on roads that are slippery when wet.

Continue reading "Hydroplaning Vehicles and Car Accidents" »

One of the most important but under looked safety features on your car or your tires. It is critically important that you care for them to keep your family safe.

There are several issues that you should be aware of regarding the care of your tires. The first is proper inflation. If you're tires are overinflated or underinflated it can not only affect the life of the tires but also can lead to tire failure.

Another factor that is often overlooked is the age of the tire. Most manufacturers now recommend at most a six-year life of a tire. Where people get in trouble on the age of tires is either when a car has not been used much or when the tire was a spare tire. They may look like they have plenty of tread but with older tires the rubber does not hold together and the results can be disastrous.

There are is a simple way to check the age of any tire that you are unsure. A DOT number is located on the outside wall of the tire. The last four digits will be numbers and the first two numbers are the week the tires made in the last two are the year-so 5107 means made in the 51st week of 2007.

Check the tire for recommended pressure and maintain it at that level also check the age of the tire to avoid tire failure and keep yourself and your family safe.

Continue reading " Tire Care Tips" »

Have you heard of the latest craze to separate Americans from their hard earned money? It's called 'gas savers' - and they come in the form of everything from pills that you pop in your tank to products that 'polarize gas molecules'!

To date, in my opinion, none have proven reasonably effective - but that doesn't stop companies from continuing to make outrageous claims of increased gas mileage and people from buying their products. Let us consider some of these facetious products - as a way to forewarn vehicle owners.

In a search of the internet numerous websites can be found that offer 'sophisticated' devices for improving gas mileage - with equally complex explanations about how they work. For instance, there are a variety of intake systems and throttle spacers that will use 'dyno-proven techniques and innovative engineering to accelerate efficiency'.

For you do-it-yourselfers there is an electronic ionizer that can be installed in minutes. You may be put-off somewhat because of their claims - after all, even the company that sells them states that they are 'technically complex' and use 'corona chemistry' to operate effectively.

And what about those biopills that mix with gas to increase mileage? Forget about it!
That is not to say that there are not great ways to save on gas - it's just not something you'll buy and put in your tank.

One of the easiest tips for saving gas is to insure your tires are properly inflated as under inflation can account for a 10% decrease in miles per gallon. Other fuel savings tips include, don't drive aggressively (the biggest gas user), drive slower, and use your cruise control on the highway.

Yesterday several people tested a new electric car and the reviews were fairly favorable, in the next few years expect to see prices of electric cars drop and use more accepted.

Also try driving less, carpooling, combining trips and taking the first parking spot you see instead of driving around for ten minutes to locate one close to the entrance.

Continue reading "Gas Saving Gimmicks- and Other Tips" »

In our last article on being safe in your car we began a conversation about tire safety.

With statistics placing the number of deaths due to inappropriate tire care at about four hundred persons a year, a review of proper tire care is a timely topic indeed.

Adequate tire pressure is the second most important obligation for drivers in relation to tire safety.

Unfortunately, under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure and improper air pressure can cause a tire to blow out or fail. Consider the following information gleaned from our resources regarding air pressure in tires:

"Air Pressure: Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch, or psi. Tires lose air through the process of permeation. Changes in outdoor temperature can affect the rate at which a tire loses air. Typically, a tire loses one pound to two pounds of pressure per month, and even more in warm weather".

To help avoid under inflation of tires have the air pressure checked professionally at least once a month. This can be done at your dealership or a reputable service station.
Another method is to or buy a good air pressure gauge and carry it in your car.

Now I realize there are many car buffs out there who pride themselves on caring for their own automobiles and I would never discourage that endeavor. But I would advance the notion that for those of us less mechanically inclined there are a number of automobile service companies that employ trained experts whose job is to detect defects in all areas of the automobile - including tires - and a regular check-up is the most prudent course of action for car owners.

Just remember, your tires keep you rolling and the safety of you and your passengers depend on them so start a tire inspection safety routine.

Continue reading "Tire Safety Tips Part 2" »

Arguably one of the most important safety considerations in maintaining a car is proper care of the tires.

In fact, it is so crucial we will spend the next two blogs reviewing the topic. Statistics support the premise that tire safety requires the serious attention of drivers.

The National Traffic Safety Administration estimates tire failures and blowouts contribute to 414 deaths and 10,275 non-fatal injuries each year in the U.S. (for more information refer to the website cited at the end of this blog).

The first and simplest step in tire care begins with a regular and quick visual examination of tires to ensure there is adequate tread. This is as simple as walking around the car and eyeballing the tires for obvious cuts and worn spots. Any defects that are visible on the tires require the immediate attention of the automobile owner
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According to our references "you can check your tires for proper tread by taking a penny and pinching Lincoln's body between your thumb and forefinger. Put Lincoln's head in a groove on the tread. If any part of Lincoln's head is obscured by the tread, the tire has good tread. If you can see above his head, visit the dealership of your choice to purchase new tires".

One final word on the topic of tire tread - although tire sales persons may advance the notion that retreaded tires are safe as well as economical - avoid this type of purchase.

Don't be penny wise and dollar foolish - remember always, safety first and that many car accidents are caused by a tire blowout. We will continue our discussion on tire safety in the next blog.

Continue reading "Tire Safety Tips" »

The condition of your tires contributes to the overall safety when driving. This means they should know regularly check the air pressure because if a tire is underinflated then most of the car's weight rests on the tread that's located just under the sidewalls instead of being spread evenly throughout the tire.

When driving this causes the sidewalls to heat up and affects both the performance and safety of the vehicle. The best advice is to check your tire pressure at least once a month. This can be done by professionals at auto service locations.

Too, drivers should consider switching their tires in the winter. Snow tires are much different than regular tires. They are designed to handle better than all-wheel tires in the winter. When purchasing snow tires go the extra mile and buy four not just too.

The extra couple hundred bucks it costs to get two more tires may save your life in the end.

Not only should you check your tire pressure once a month but you should also inspect your tires at the same time. Look for wear in the tread that leaves bald spots on the tires as well as nicks and cuts in the rubber.

If the tire is soft or almost flat then it should be replaced immediately.

If you are on the highway and your tire blows you should do the following:

1. Maintain your rate of speed the best you can.
2. Gently counter steer to offset the car pulling in the direction of the blown tire.
3. As the car stabilizes begin to slow and look for the nearest place to pull over safely.
4. Be sure there is enough room to get out and move safely around the car.

Continue reading "Tire safety can reduce fatal car accidents" »