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 Recently seven school children were injured in a suburb of Delhi after the two rear tyres on the left side of a school bus burst. According to eyewitnesses the bursting of tyres generated so much heat, noise and force that the flooring of the bus was ripped out. A gaping hole was created on the rear end of the bus. This is what caused injuries to the children who were seated in the rear of the bus. Experts say that there is around 110 pounds air pressure in the rear tyre of a bus and it can certainly burst with a bang. Moreover, it can cause other problems too, like ripping off the floor as in the above incident.
A flat or punctured tyre is always a problem but at times having a flat tyre can be dangerous too. How do you deal with a flat tyre or a burst tyre? In case you apprehend low pressure in any of your tyres have them checked at the earliest opportunity. Remember a stitch in time saves nine.
- Firm up your grip on the steering wheel at the first sign of any problem with the tyres. This helps you keep the vehicle in control.
- Remember not to slam on the brakes; let the car slow down gradually.
- As you slow down, try to manoeuvre the vehicle towards the kerb or an exit from the main carriageway.
- If you have to change lanes, clearly signal your intentions and do it slowly and carefully. Also keep a watch on the traffic around you.
- Keep your indicators on and use them as emergency flashers.
- In case to get to a safe point you have to steer for a short distance, it doesn't matter. Continue to drive on a flat tyre; don't worry about it being damaged further.
- Once you have come off the main carriageway, keep the indicators on and ensure that other road users are alerted of your problem and don't ram into you.
 If you are aware of how to change a tyre, have the right equipment, and are able to do it yourself, do it as you would do under normal circumstances.- Your safety should be your first and only priority. If changing a tyre involves any degree of risk, don't take it. It is advisable to get professional help if you have any doubt about your competency. In case you have to wait for some help, do so at a safe distance away from your vehicle.
- If you have a cell phone try calling your service station or workshop to get help.
- If you are aware of a service centre in proximity of the spot you are stranded in, walk over after locking up your vehicle.
Above all remember the saying - Prevention is better than control. So give your tyres a regular check everyday as you start your car. Right health of your tyre not only saves you from a variety of hazards as you cruise along but also saves on the precious fuel, thus reducing the burden on your pocket.
Anoop Khanna
Asst. Manager (PR)
For further details contact:
Loss Prevention Association of India Ltd., (LPA)
Seethakathi Chambers, ( 4th Floor)
688, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 006.
Phone : 8524648, 8523920.
Fax: 8523746.
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