Troopers catch semi truck driving ‘on its rims’ on I-40 in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Highway Patrol issued a reminder to the trucking community about equipment safety after intercepting a semi truck driving on an interstate near Winslow with catastrophic tire damage.

On March 19, officials said that AZDPS troopers with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit spotted and stopped a commercial vehicle driving on I-10 ten miles east of Winslow, Arizona, “on its rims.”

“The driver told the Trooper he was going to Winslow to find a shop. The vehicle experienced a mechanical failure at the front axle hub, resulting in the loss of both tires and wheels. As the driver continued driving, the rear axle tires became overloaded, leading to a blowout,” AZDPS said.

AZDPS used the incident as a reminder to truckers to stop if they suspect something is wrong with their tires.

“Something wrong with your tires? Slow down, turn on your hazards, and pull over off the highway or off to a shoulder if an exit isn’t available. It is extremely dangerous to drive longer than necessary on busted tires or rims because it can cause serious damage to your vehicle, gouge the road, kick up rocks into other vehicles, or throw sparks that could start a fire. Be smart and stay alert to any changes with your vehicle,” authorities advised.