WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — One day ahead of the busiest travel day going into the Fourth of July weekend, drivers heading southbound on Intestate 95 near North Military Trail were stuck in traffic for hours because of a fatal rollover crash.
Investigators say it was caused by a tire problem. Auto experts say the safest thing to do before a road trip is to get a car inspection.
“You could take a penny and put it in the tread block of the tire, if you can see Lincoln’s head, the top of Lincoln’s head, the tires are unsafe and shouldn’t be on the road,” said Jason Ehlers, managing partner at Firestone Complete Auto Care.
Ehlers said you should have your whole car inspected, but if you’re checking it yourself, make sure the tires are visibly in good condition and check the air pressure.
“Something to make the tire blow would be very low air pressure or even the air pressure could be too high,” said Ehlers.
Jay Carpenter of Georgia wanted to have a safe trip with his family, so he got a rental to fit everyone in one car.
“We want to have fun, but it’s got to be safe first, so that’s why we decided to put everybody in here,” said Carpenter.
He’s heading to Key Largo for the weekend and prepared driving even if it means hitting some traffic.
“If I can avoid the airports, all day long, yeah,” added Carpenter.
You can get your car inspected for as little as ten dollars at a Firestone Complete Auto Care, just call ahead.
If you’re planning a road trip, you should also top off the washer fluid.
AAA has more tips on how to prepare your car for summer travel.
