Adequate tires on heavy trucks are essential to assure the consistent and safe operation of heavy trucks, to prevent the need for emergency handling procedures due to tire blow-outs, and to minimize damage from wear and tear on roadways. Appropriate tires need to be selected considering the factors like carcass design, tread depth etc. to improve skid resistance, stopping performance, to mitigate damage to highway pavement and to assure the optimal performance of antilock brake systems and more importantly avoid Tire Blow up mishaps.

The truck drivers are required to take some due care and follow certain procedures every time before setting on their journey. Truck drivers should

• Inspect tires before they start out.
• Check tires for proper inflation.
• Check tires for adequate tread.
• Check headlights and directional flashers.
• Replace any burnt out bulbs immediately.

A blow-out is a rapid loss of air from the tire. Rapid air loss from the tires increases friction between the tire and the road. Increased friction pulls the vehicle toward the side of the blow-out. It is very challenging to handle a heavy vehicle like the tractor trailer safely in case of a blow-out. The truck driver needs to take certain precautions in handling the truck when the blow-out occurs

• Do not hit the breaks (the vehicle will "pull" more violently).
• Accelerate to reduce the pull to the side.
• Keep a firm grip on the wheel.
• Steer to the side opposite the blow-out.
• Slow down and turn on your hazard flashers.
• Pull over to a safe, level area to fix the tire.