Bad tires and extreme heat, a deadly combination

PHOENIX - Arizona Highway Patrol is warning drivers, as the temperature rises, make sure the tires on your car are in good shape.

"I'm waiting for my husband to come and rescue me," said Jessica Burguan.

Waiting on the side of the road, Burguan is a victim of the heat.

"I was driving on the freeway and in a split second my tire went flat and I heard a loud noise," Burguan said.
 
The shredded tires on the side of the freeway show Burguan isn't the only victim.

"The summertime is a busy time for Highway Patrol officers," said Department of Public Safety spokesman Robert Bailey.

DPS blames several deadly accidents in the past weeks on tire failure.

The 110 degree temperatures wreak havoc to tires.

"It will basically show any weakness in that tire more so because of the extra heat," Bailey said.

But drivers shouldn't panic, Bailey has advice on how to avoid a flat.

"Prevention is always the best policy for anybody," said Bailey.

Check the tread by using a penny. If you can see all of Lincoln's head it's time to get new tires.

Also, inflation is critical. Underinflated tires break down the side wall making it more likely for a blow out.

"We want the driver to be able to maintain control of that vehicle and pull safely to the side of the road," Bailey said.

Which means not slamming on the brakes as this can cause the car to roll over.

"If your car starts to fishtail a little bit you can even accelerate slightly to bring your car under control and then decelerate," Bailey said.

Lessons Burguan learned before she had a flat.

"I actually just kept driving because I knew not to slam on my brakes."