HUNTINGTON COUNTY, Ind. — Michael D. Tuffs, 60, tragically died Sept. 24 in an accident on I-69 after a tire blew out on his vehicle.
The Fort Wayne man was southbound on I-69 in a Porsche, just south of Markle, when the blowout occurred, according to a local news report.
Witnesses told troopers that he lost control of the vehicle and rear-ended a semi-tractor trailer before veering off the road and crashing into a cable barrier system in the center grass median.
First responders were dispatched to the crash at about 6:30 p.m.. Tuffs was found unresponsive with apparent fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Huntington County Coroner.
The semi driver, 60-year-old Christopher Posey, of Elwood, was not injured. His vehicle sustained damage to a rear tandem tire.
Authorities said tire failure is believed to be the only contributing factor in the crash, but a full investigation is underway.
COMMENTARY ON TIRE DEFECT ACCIDENTS
Accidents of this kind are far too common, with an innocent victim’s life being cut short unexpectedly due to a tire failure. Mr. Tuffs may have been looking forward to a pleasant weekend, likely driving home from work on a Friday evening. He had no way of anticipating this tragic event was going to happen.
Accidents such as this may be prevented. It is wise to be proactive regarding automobile maintenance, systematically and routinely following the guidelines in the vehicle owner’s manual. However, tire failure can occur despite complying with all manufacturer recommendations. When tire failure is a result of manufacturer flaw or defect, it is important to hold the manufacturer responsible to ensure preventable accidents are eliminated. It is imperative that the tire and any portions of the tread that have torn away, if any, be saved for a thorough inspection.
I will continue to do what I can to raise awareness regarding tire failure. To learn more about why these crashes occur, access some of the articles that I have written on tire failure crashes here.
Disclaimer: At Ammons Law, we are constantly seeking to improve the quality and safety of our roads and highways. We post these articles to help improve safety within our community. All of the information contained within this post was compiled from public sources or constitutes the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if you identify any false or misleading information.
