The great American interstate can be a hazardous experience. I had the ‘pleasure' of driving on the I-5 in Los Angeles once —I have never felt less safe on a road, especially when trying to merge or exit! When I saw this video, my L.A. nightmare was fresh in my mind. However, this crash happened on Route 440 in New Jersey and wasn't caused by reckless driving.
A Good Advert For Tesla
This is clearly a great ad for Tesla – and fitting that the young Tesla owner posted the video on Tesla's owner's social media platform! Tesla's autopilot control dodged the tire, while the driver dodged his potential end.
Witnessed and recorded the most INSANE car crash yesterday, you can see Autopilot also swerve and avoid the rouge tire for me $TSLA pic.twitter.com/csMh2nbRNX
— Anoop (@Anoop_Khatra) March 25, 2023
Rogue Tires
In the video, a wheel suddenly detaches from one vehicle, sending a nearby SUV 50 feet into the air before flipping onto its roof. This is the stuff of motorists' nightmares. Thankfully, the driver — an off-duty cop — walked away unharmed.
Please Don't Hit Her
Off-duty officer John Rice (no relation) told national media that his wife and kids were in a different car ahead of him on the freeway. He reports only thinking of their safety at the time. “Please don't hit her,” is all he remembers saying. Thank God the tire missed the car in front and didn't touch anyone else.
When It Rains…
For some, this kind of thing surely only happens when your luck is out. Then again, he did walk away and is unlikely to ever face such a wreck again. Who is unlucky in this situation?
Things like this only happen when you’re having a bad day already.
— Andre Jean-Pierre (@MrDre_) March 26, 2023
Who Is Liable?
A legal discussion is still ticking along too. Some drivers with similar experiences worry that the liable truck's insurance won't cover the victim's medical bills. There must be some lawyers licking their lips at this event.
Investigators will find that the truck had wheel spaces causing the wheel hub assembly to fail causing this to happen. I'm sure their insurance won't cover their medical expenses. How can we help?
— Dannial Hayes (@DannialHayes) March 25, 2023
Modern Cars Are Too Light
An interesting angle poses questions about the weight of modern cars in general. With performance and economy strong selling points, the reduced weight caused this catastrophe.
Investigators will find that the truck had wheel spaces causing the wheel hub assembly to fail causing this to happen. I'm sure their insurance won't cover their medical expenses. How can we help?
— Dannial Hayes (@DannialHayes) March 25, 2023
Can We Have That Video for Free?
Interestingly, news media groups are falling over each other to get an interview with the driver who recorded the vid. However, the backlash they are getting for not offering payment is hilarious.
did you ever find someone who agrees to these terms? lol, have some tact
— Smoothie (@smo0thle) March 26, 2023
Wheel Debates
Arguments are still flying about what caused the accident. Wheel experts agree that wheel spacers (which are illegal in many states). A wheel spacer lifts the truck above the normal height, though this can be treacherous – and this is a case in point.
Trucks like that shouldn’t be street legal. They kill pedestrians and other drivers more frequently. There’s no good reason to have a lifted truck on streets and highways.
— Trepinski (@Clasinski) March 26, 2023
Shocking Negligence
Another knowledgeable mechanic concurs that something is not right with those wheels.
Definitely something near the wheel bearing. The wheel and rotor appear intact pic.twitter.com/PIiEYa54EZ
— galena (@cloppyhorse) March 25, 2023
We can only pray that the truck owner's insurance will pay out enough to cover Mr. Rice's damages. Walking away from a car wreck puts life into perspective, and failing a full award of damages, I am sure crowdfunding may be a solution. Until then, stay safe on the roads and look out for rogue wheels!
This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.