Firestone's Baja Widetrack Tire Caused Fatal Accident
July 20, 2001
Baja Widetrack radial tires manufactured by Bridgestone/Firestone were a factor in a rollover accident that killed a mother and one of her teenage sons and injured her other son and husband. The Baja Widetrack tire on the rear passenger side of the vehicle separated while 15-year-old Michael Carmichael was driving, sending the 1996 Ford Explorer flipping over and coming to rest against a light pole along Interstate 75 near Ocala, Florida.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators blame tire failure and Michael's inexperience for the accident. Michael was driving with his learner's permit. The front two tires on the Explorer had recently been replaced with another brand but both of the rear tires were Bridgestone/Firestone Baja Widetrack radials.
Five other accidents involving Baja Widetrack tires have been reported to the Federal agency that oversees the auto industry. However, officials suspect that deaths caused by this tire may be higher.
The combination of Firestone tires and sport utility vehicles is linked to 43 deaths on Florida highways in the last four years.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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