CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Several drivers say they're thankful to be OK after a tire flew off another vehicle and hit at least two cars on Interstate 85 in west Charlotte.
The incident happened on I-85 north near Billy Graham Parkway. One driver told WCNC Charlotte that he didn't expect a large tire to come flying his way. Although his family is physically OK, Scott Santa Ana says the damage to his car is extensive.
"Those were massive tires ... it was like a missile coming at us," Santa Ana said. "I don't know how you can prepare as a driver for something like that. I mean, it happened in the blink of an eye. It was really scary."
Other drivers said they believe the tires weren't properly secured on a truck that was passing by. Experts say debris and unsecured loads can create a dangerous situation on the road. In fact, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that more than 51,000 crashes are caused by debris on the road.
Dashcam video captured the tire slamming into a car. Santa Ana said he believes the tires fell off a work truck.
“They landed on a red Toyota that was to the right of us and a little ahead of us, knocked out his back window then bounced,” Santa Ana said. “It came flying into the back passenger side of our car and just demolished it.”
Mike Gubanez was behind the wheel of that red Toyota. He was heading back to work. He said that despite this not being his fault, he will have to pay to fix his car with his own money.
“I just hope someone saw something and took a tag number or something,” Gubanez said. “It crushed the roof of my car in and knocked the back window out.”
Both drivers are glad to be able to walk away from the crash.
“It was very dangerous,” Gubanez said. “That tire, had the directions been just a few inches lower, it would have come through my front windshield.”
“We could have been killed if it would have come through the windshield and I would not be talking to you right now,” Santa Ana said.
His car is now a complete loss.
“The car is totaled,” Santa Ana said.
AAA says about two-thirds of debris-related crashes are the result of items falling from a vehicle due to improper maintenance and unsecured loads.
“It's not just a safety traffic safety message,” Tiffany Wright with AAA Carolinas said. “I mean, it's the law, it's the law to make sure that your load is secure on your vehicle. You should secure the load on your vehicle as if your most loved ones were traveling right behind you.”
Wright said the most common types of vehicle debris are parts becoming detached from a vehicle (tires, wheels, etc.), unsecured cargo like furniture and appliances, and tow trailers becoming separated.
When moving or towing furniture, AAA says it is important to make sure all items are secured.
To properly secure a load, drivers should do the following:
- 1. Tie down the load with rope, netting, or straps
- 2. Tie large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer
- 3. Cover the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting
- 4. Don’t overload the vehicle
- 5. Always double the load to make sure it is secure
B.R.A.K.E.S a driving school says it's also important to be extra vigilant on the road.
“Make sure you're paying attention,” West Coast Regional Manager Brendon Short said. “Scan the horizon and always look for a space to go. Scan your mirrors every eight to 10 seconds.”
If your car is hit by something, his advice is to stay calm and pull over off the highway.
“If your car's still drivable, get off the highway or the freeway as soon as possible into a safe place,” said Short. “Get out of the car, inspect the vehicle, call local law enforcement or highway patrol and go from there.”
Both drivers are asking anyone if they saw something to report it to the police so they can track down the driver.
“We're trying to find out where those tires could have come from and hopefully, you know go through their insurance,” Santa Ana said. “But it definitely totaled our car.
In the end, everyone is thankful that no one was hurt.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.