Dashcam Video Captures Tire Flying Off Semi-Truck, Nearly Causing Catastrophic Highway Crash
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. — A terrifying moment on an Oklahoma turnpike was captured on dashcam when a tire flew off a semi-truck and hurtled into oncoming traffic — narrowly missing several vehicles before a nearby driver intervened to prevent what could have been a deadly accident.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) released the dramatic video, which shows the tire bouncing across multiple lanes of traffic as cars swerve to avoid it. The footage, shared by FOX News, quickly went viral, drawing attention to both the dangers of highway debris and the driver’s quick reaction that helped avert disaster.
Tire Launches Into Oncoming Lanes
The incident occurred on a busy Oklahoma turnpike, where the truck’s tire suddenly detached at high speed. Video shows the tire ricocheting off the pavement and barreling toward oncoming vehicles, creating a split-second crisis for drivers in its path.
A nearby motorist, who witnessed the hazard unfolding, managed to maneuver their vehicle to push the loose tire out of the road, clearing it before it could strike another car or cause a pileup.
“It could have been a catastrophe if that tire hit a windshield or another semi,” one OHP trooper said. “The driver’s quick action likely prevented multiple injuries.”
Oklahoma Highway Patrol Credits ‘Calm and Quick Thinking’
Authorities praised the unidentified driver for their “calm and quick thinking under pressure,” noting that even a small object traveling at highway speeds can cause devastating damage.
The OHP also used the opportunity to remind truck drivers to perform thorough vehicle inspections before hitting the road. Tire blowouts and equipment failures are among the leading causes of interstate accidents, particularly involving large commercial vehicles.
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Highway Safety Concerns Grow
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), road debris contributes to over 50,000 crashes and 200 deaths in the United States each year. Heavy tires from semi-trucks are particularly dangerous due to their size, weight, and unpredictable trajectory once dislodged.
Experts say drivers should maintain safe following distances and avoid swerving suddenly when debris appears, as overcorrection can lead to loss of control.
“It’s natural to panic when something flies at you, but your best defense is steady braking and awareness,” said highway safety consultant Mark Hamilton.
Viral Reaction
The video has gained thousands of views on social media platforms, with commenters praising the driver for reacting swiftly and calmly.
One user wrote, “That driver deserves a medal — they saved lives with that move,” while another commented, “Imagine how terrifying that must have been in real time.”
Investigation Underway
Oklahoma Highway Patrol officials are investigating the mechanical failure that caused the tire to detach. It’s unclear whether the semi-truck driver faced any citations related to vehicle maintenance violations.
The incident serves as another reminder of the potential dangers lurking on high-speed interstates — and how quick thinking can make the difference between tragedy and safety.
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