2001 GMC 2500 HD User Comment / Complaint

While traveling west on i-10, in jefferson county, i felt a vibration and was slowing down when the left rear tire failed. my vehicle swerved and i pulled off the side of the road. the rubber on the tire separated and exposed the inflated tire. the tire maintained its air pressure and some of the steel belt was visible but the tread was missing. the vehicle traveling behind me, apparently, over steered in an effort to avoid my discarded rubber and drove off the roadway. emergency personnel assisted this driver. the discarded rubber damaged the rear bumper and tailgate of my vehicle. the tire was sent to firestone's complaint department at bfnt llc ( ref # 917284) and they evaluated it. they are not claiming the tire was defective. my vehicle is not used off road and the model number is lt245/75r16, steeltex radial r4s ii.