WHILE DRIVING ON A ROAD WITH OUR THREE YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE CAR, THE CAR JERKED, STARTED MAKING LOUD NOISES, AND SMOKING. THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SMOKE POURING FROM THE LEFT (DRIVER) SIDE. WE PULLED TO THE SIDE AND SAW THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE WAS AT AN ODD ANGLE AS WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL. WHEN THE TOW-TRUCK ARRIVED AND LIFTED IT UP, IT WAS VERY CLEAR THAT THE AXLE HAD SNAPPED FOR NO REASON. WE WERE LUCKY THAT THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR A MAJOR ACCIDENT, NOR DID THE CAR CATCH FIRE BUT IT SMELLS OF BURNED RUBBER. *TR