Vehicle Maintenance Can Help Prevent Rollovers

A 24-year-old mother burned to death after her SUV rolled over Wednesday afternoon. She did not have a chance to get out because she was pinned by the car.

The accident leaves some wondering how something like this could happen and can it be prevented.

“Vehicle maintenance is important,” said El Paso Police Department Spokesman Mike Baranyay.

According to the police report, Karla Cerino was in the far left lane on I-10 west across from Asarco when her left, front tire blew out. The SUV rolled and then landed on its side in the emergency lane to the right of the highway.

Within seconds, it burst into flames.

“It appears those tires disintegrated pretty quickly so, it wasn’t a simple tire going low,” police said.

Safecar.gov says proper tire pressure is the most important part of maintaining your tires.

It’s difficult to tell just by looking if they’re properly inflated.

So, buy a pressure gauge.

And inspect your tires at least once a month for irregular wear.

“I know many local tire stores offer free vehicle inspections,”said Baranyay.

If you have a blow out – most importantly, don’t panic.

Let your car slow down and do not slam on the brakes.

Over-correcting or excessive steering can cause you to lose control and possibly roll over.

Baranyay said maintaining your vehicle and knowing how to maneuver in these situations could help.

“Just to try and prevent these strategies, I mean this is truly a tragedy,” he said.

Cerino was not wearing a seat belt when she crashed.

Click on the Hot Button on the home page of www.kvia.com for a link to some videos on vehicle maintenance and handling blowouts.