Willows, CA (June 9, 2026) – A motorcycle carrying two people went down on Monday morning, June 8, on northbound Interstate 5 near County Road 7 in Glenn County: the rider told officers he lost control after a tire blew out. A lane was temporarily closed while emergency units worked at the scene.
The passenger was taken to the hospital with major but non-life-threatening injuries, and the rider appeared to have only minor road rash. Two people were hurt in total.
No names were confirmed in the initial report on the accident. The wreck remains under review.
Tire failure is more common during the summer months, particularly in warmer regions like Glenn County. Additional details are expected as the collision inquiry continues. We wish both those hurt a full and speedy recovery.
What Drivers Should Know About Tire Blowouts on Motorcycles in Hot Weather
Tire blowouts are more likely to happen in high temperatures, and motorcycles are especially vulnerable to their effects. Heat causes the air inside a tire to expand, which raises pressure beyond safe levels if the tire is already worn or improperly inflated. On a motorcycle, a sudden loss of tire pressure can cause the rider to lose control almost instantly, leaving little time to correct course.
Unlike a car, a motorcycle has only two contact points with the road, so a blowout on either wheel affects balance in a dramatic way. A rear blowout typically causes the back of the bike to swerve, while a front blowout makes steering nearly impossible. Both scenarios carry a high risk of the rider and any passenger being thrown from the bike.
Summer heat accelerates tire wear and increases the chance of a pressure-related failure. Checking tire pressure before riding, especially on long highway trips in warm weather, reduces that risk considerably.
