5 Things You Must Do While Encountering a Tire Blowout

Now that you know what can cause semi truck tire blowouts (see: 4 Causes of Truck Tire Blowouts) and how mitigate the risk of one, below are some tips on what to do when one does happen to you.

The first thing you can do to safely navigate through a tire blowout is to always be mentally prepared for one to happen. Being prepared will make you less likely to panic when the situation arises, and could even save your life. When panic sets in, you're more likely to make mistakes and do things you might not normally do. Mental preparedness can make you feel more calm and in control of the situation, and more likely to remember the right way to handle things.

4 Causes of Truck Tire Blowouts You Need to Know About

Tire blowouts are quite common while driving a truck that has 18 wheels, and it can cause panic even in the most experienced of semi truck drivers. Because a blowout results in an actual explosion of the tire, rather than just a flattening, the way the rig will react is often unpredictable.

While some blowouts aren't preventable, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the risk of this happening to you. Here are some things you can do, based on four main causes of tractor trailer blowouts:

Poor maintenance is one cause of semi truck tire blowouts that is entirely preventable by you. By making sure that you're keeping up with the regular maintenance of your truck, and that it continues to meet safety requirements, you're keeping yourself and drivers around you safer.

What Should a Trucker Do When... Pulled Over by a Cop?

**Disclaimer: We want to begin by saying that, while there is some great advice
to be considered here, this is in no way legal advice, and should not be taken as such.**

Whether in a personal or professional capacity, we are all bound to get pulled over by a cop at some point. The best thing you can do as a trucker is to prepare for when, not if, you get pulled over in your 18-wheeler. This way, when it does happen, you won't be caught off-guard.

Ok, let's start at the beginning. You just checked on with dispatch, and you're headed on your merry way down I-10, when you see the familiar red and blue lights flickering in your rearview mirror. You safely pull off to the side of the road and the officer approaches. Cue scene...