How to avoid "gators" on Arizona's highways

This week is National Tire Safety Week. Here at ADOT, we’ve got some tips for keeping your tires in tip top shape, making sure you and others around you are safe.

Here are some tips:

• Check your tires before a road trip and at least once a month including the tire pressure and tire tread depth.
• Regularly rotate your tires and make sure they are properly aligned.
• The valve caps should be on at all times to keep the stem clean and prevent you from forcing sand and debris into the tire when you fill it with air.

By following these helpful hints, you will decrease the chances of a blowout and reduce potential “gator” sightings on the highway.These tire shreds have gained the nickname of “gators'' because they look like an alligator’s back floating on the water’s surface. Keeping “gators” off the highway makes everyone safer.

As the summer road trip season ramps up, plan ahead by packing an emergency prep kit and check your vehicle for things such as tire pressure and condition. Don’t forget extra drinking water and other items that can help if an unscheduled delay occurs.