On March 16th 2007 I was driving from my home in fort myers Florida to a business meeting in clearwater Florida. I was driving on interstate 75 going North. I was approximately a quarter of a mile from the skyway bridge. Since this is a toll bridge I was decreasing in speed getting ready to make a stop, at that time, there was a loud explosion and before I could think I was beginning to lose control of the car. The explosion or implosion was the rear driver side tire completely came off the rim of the car. This sent me into a tail spin trying to control the car at which time the car came up on two wheels. I then proceeded into the ditch and was able to stop the car. I then called roadside assistance which the tow truck driver stated he never saw anything like this. We were able to get a spare tire on the car so that I could drive to a tire shop to have the tire replaced. This was a nightmare to say the least. I first called the dealership since I happened to purchase the car from a dealership in which my business meeting was being held. The car dealership mastro motors stated that they do not keep tires in stock. I explained this care almost killed me and the response was that I purchased tire insurance to call them. I then called subrau only to be told that they do not warranty the tires and that I would have to call Bridgestone. I then called Bridgestone and they were not able to help me find an athorized service center. I then found a Firestone tire outlet in which after driving around all weekend on a spare tire were finally able to get the correct tire for my car and replace it. I now have the tire that exploded on in my possesion as proof that this tire is clearly a defect as I have not owned my car more that six months. I purchased this car new and it has about 5400 miles total on the car. At this time I do not feel safe with the tires on this car.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA