Dealing with “road ‘gators”
Dealing with “road ‘gators”
Today riding to work I narrowly avoided hitting the shredded remains of a retreaded tire.
You know -- “road gators”. Cheap retreads hauling companies run on their trailers that eventually explode, shred and fly off the wheel rims leaving the curled tread portion off to the side of, or sometimes laying in the roadway.
I was riding down I-35, doing around 75 when the vehicle I was following swerved suddenly to avoid an apparently recently placed, good sized ‘gator in the center of the fast lane. Fortunately I was left of center in the lane and steered clear of it without too much trouble. Still, it couldn’t have been more than a few inches.
I don’t want to think what would have happened if I had hit it. I did once hit one (dead center) in my F150 and the felt impact at 75 mph was sizable.
Wanted to see how others have dealt with this problem, or hit similar road debris and what the results were.
You know -- “road gators”. Cheap retreads hauling companies run on their trailers that eventually explode, shred and fly off the wheel rims leaving the curled tread portion off to the side of, or sometimes laying in the roadway.
I was riding down I-35, doing around 75 when the vehicle I was following swerved suddenly to avoid an apparently recently placed, good sized ‘gator in the center of the fast lane. Fortunately I was left of center in the lane and steered clear of it without too much trouble. Still, it couldn’t have been more than a few inches.
I don’t want to think what would have happened if I had hit it. I did once hit one (dead center) in my F150 and the felt impact at 75 mph was sizable.
Wanted to see how others have dealt with this problem, or hit similar road debris and what the results were.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
One time I was following a truck that dropped a ladder onto the road. It was coming right at me and I would've hit it except the ladder went into the next lane at the last second. It's just a case of not following too close, I was guilty of that but got lucky. From then on I decided not to depend on luck anymore and stay further behind than I used to.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 2
From: Monroe, Louisiana
Like nevil said.....don't follow so close. I've had my own encounter but it was raining and visibility was very low. I moved when the bike in front of me moved other wise I would have hit it.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
i always look at any type vehcile that has things in the open bed of a truck or trailer. you never know how well they are tied down or when they may come loose and blow out. i get away from them as quickly as possible. i have seen numerous pick up trucks beside the road picking up ladders that have blown out. i don't ride behind or besside big trucks either, never know when they may blow a tire....would not be a pretty scene
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
I had one blow about 6 or 8 car length in front of me a few years ago. I got hot melted rubber on my windshield. That will get your attention real quick.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 1
From: A house.
I handle them the same way you did... quick swerve and avoid. like others said say, keep your distance. Space cushioning is king. Good job and glad you didn't get whacked.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Got hit one time...bent the crashbar and the frame and I almost bit pavement. Felt like I hit a mud bog at 70.
Sometimes ya can't avoid it...and as others have said...keep your distance and pass big rigs as quickly as possible.
Sometimes ya can't avoid it...and as others have said...keep your distance and pass big rigs as quickly as possible.