TIRE SAFETY

Tire safety awareness has increased significantly within the past two years partly because of the tragic loss of life that has been linked to defective tires. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Bridgestone/Firestone because of the problem of tread separation with their tires. Tire safety will continue to be in the news whether the story concerns lawsuits, tire safety advocacy groups, or the government's campaign to improve tire safety.

Tire Safety Articles and Information

February 12, 2002- Firestone Request for Ford Explorer Investigation Denied by NHTSA

Though the NHTSA concedes that all SUVs have a greater tendency to roll over in a crash, after analysis of information provided by Ford and Firestone, the NHTSA did not find that the Ford Explorer had an increased likelihood of crash following rear tread separation. Full Story

December 20, 2001- Proposal to Establish Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for Labeling of Tires

NHTSA has submitted a proposal to improve labeling of tires to help consumers identify tires that may be the subject of a safety recall. The proposal includes plans to increase public awareness concerning safe tire inflation levels and observation of motor vehicle tire load limits. Full Story

November 30, 2001- U.S. Department of Transportation Launches Nationwide Campaign to Promote Tire Safety

The theme for this new campaign will be "Tire Safety: Everything Rides on It". The campaign will consist of radio public service announcements and print ads and brochures that promote proper tire inflation, monthly tire checks, and adherence to vehicle load limits. According to the NHTSA, 9% of passenger cars are driven with at least one bald tire and that only 49% of gas stations equipped with air pumps also provide tire pressure gages. Full Story

NHTSA Proposes New Performance Standard For Passenger Car and Light Truck Tires

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today proposed new, more stringent tire performance requirements in a new federal motor vehicle safety standard that would apply to all new tires for use on vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, and is seeking public comment. Full Story