LAS VEGAS -- As the Las Vegas valley heats up, motorists driving with old or weak tires may discover too late that their tires' tread is coming loose.
On Wednesday, a sports utility vehicle rolled over and killed a 39-year-old woman on Interstate-15 after the tread tore off one of the SUV's tires.
The ripped tread caused a blow out of the left rear tire, causing the SUVs driver to lose control and roll off the highway's shoulder, landing upside down.
Nevada Highway Patrol officer Loy Hixon said drivers have to be especially careful because of the extreme heat.
"When you are looking at the friction being caused by the tire coming off from asphalt, you can come up to almost 200 (degrees), if not more, in that tire," he said.
Drivers also need to watch their tires for wear and tear, and make sure they are properly inflated, he said. Tires should be inspected at least once a week, he said, and if heading out for a road trip, make sure they are in good condition before leaving.
