WSP urges drivers to check tires before traveling

MOSES LAKE – The Washington State Patrol has seen an uptick in collisions caused by blown-out tires this summer and is encouraging motorists to check their tires before hitting the road.

Before the past Independence Day weekend, troopers investigated three rollover collisions, which resulted in three fatalities and seven people receiving injuries and requiring medical attention. The collisions were reportedly caused by drivers who lost control of their vehicle after blowing a tire.

“Several occupants in these collisions were not wearing seatbelts. ‘Seatbelts save lives.’ It is just that simple. Properly wearing a seatbelt (both lap and shoulder strap) increases your chances of surviving and reducing injury during a serious collision,” stated the patrol in a release. “If you choose not to wear a seatbelt, you not only risk your life, but the lives your passengers. Any unrestrained object inside a vehicle, including humans, can cause serious injury to passengers during a collision. The WSP will continue to stop and cite motorists who do not wear seatbelts.”

On June 30 Jaurette Jackson, 55, of Ephrata, died in collision on state Route 17, about two miles south of Coulee City, when a tire on another vehicle blew, causing the driver of the vehicle to lose control, cross the centerline and strike Jackson’s vehicle.

The patrol offers the following tips for drivers before traveling this summer:

- Make sure all tires are properly inflated.

- Inspect tires for damage and/or bulges in the sidewalls.

- Don’t overload your vehicle.

- Check the tread depth on your tires.

- Know the age of your tires.

The patrol encouraged motorists to consult a professional for any questions and noted that most tire installers offer tire and brake safety checks for a minimal cost.