Tire Safety Week Launches: U.S. Drivers Don't Know the Basics of Tire Care

WASHINGTON, April 29 -- America's drivers could be putting themselves in danger while driving. Nearly 90 percent of drivers surveyed this year aren't checking their tire pressure properly and many do not know enough about how to care for their tires correctly. In response to its research, the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) is kicking off National Tire Safety Week today, a weeklong campaign dedicated to educating drivers about the importance of tire safety, and urging them to check their tires once a month.

"Our research shows a significant need for tire safety education throughout the country, especially as we approach the busy summer driving season," said Donald B. Shea, RMA President and CEO. "National Tire Safety Week is a crucial reminder for drivers nationwide that it only takes five minutes a month to check their tires."

For this week's events, RMA will release results from a survey conducted by FrederickPolls in February 2002 on U.S. drivers' attitudes toward and knowledge of basic tire safety, revealing that drivers need to be better informed about proper tire care. The RMA research found that 89 percent of drivers are not checking their tire pressure properly and 66 percent of drivers don't know where to find the proper tire inflation pressure for their vehicle's tires. Also, more than half of drivers surveyed don't know what a tire "wear bar" is and that it indicates when tires are bald.

Keeping tires at the recommended inflation pressure will help reduce the risk of tire failure. Tread is important because it grips the road, providing tires with traction.

As summer approaches, more drivers will be hitting the highways for their summer destinations. RMA also found that one in three drivers is not checking the pressure in their tires before taking a long trip with a fully loaded vehicle. One in four drivers incorrectly believes that they are better off having their tires a little bit underinflated when their vehicles are fully loaded. Excess baggage and items in a car can put additional pressure and stress on tires, which could lead to tire failure.

RMA research, combined with other tire-related data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and AAA, is alarming. NHTSA found that one in four passenger cars and one in three light trucks/SUVs has at least one significantly underinflated tire, totaling nearly 60 million vehicles. NHTSA also found that nine percent of passenger cars have at least one bald tire.

"Checking your tire pressure could literally mean the difference between life and death. We urge all motorists to check their tires monthly and before long road trips," said Annette M. Sandberg, Deputy Administrator of NHTSA.

To better protect motorists, NHTSA last November launched a comprehensive tire safety campaign based on the theme: "Tire Safety: Everything Rides on It." The purpose of the ongoing campaign, which includes radio public service announcements, print ads and brochures, is to stress the importance of proper tire inflation and vehicle load limits. The campaign is also designed to encourage motorists to check their tires monthly, as well as prior to a long trip, to be sure they have adequate tread.

AAA reports member calls for emergency road service involving flat tires increased 4.1 percent last year to more than 3,540,000; or 12.6 percent of total road service calls answered by AAA. "Rising requests for assistance with flat tires is a strong indicator that consumers need to become more aware of the condition of their tires before a puncture or blowout occurs," said John Nielsen, director of AAA's Auto Repair Network.

AAA provides tire care advice through club publications that reach 45 million members in the United States and Canada and online at http://www.aaa.com . A free tire safety brochure is also available to members and the public. More than 7,100 AAA-approved repair facilities -- including independent shops, car dealerships and tire retailers -- provide free maintenance and safety inspections of AAA members' vehicles when other work is performed. These inspections include a check for tire wear and inflation.

NHTSA and AAA will be present today at RMA's National Tire Safety Week announcement at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., stressing the important role tire safety plays in drivers' safety.

Also this week, RMA will remind drivers that they can obtain brochures that describe simple tips for tire care at tire dealerships across the country, local AAA clubs and online at http://www.rma.org. Additionally, "Tire Safety Days" will take place in Atlanta, Georgia; Tallahassee, Florida; Phoenix, Arizona and Austin, Texas to encourage local drivers in the South to check their tires regularly and take advantage of the free resources available. At these events, drivers will receive a free tire pressure and tread check, a free tire gauge and RMA tire safety brochure that describes simple, easy-to-follow steps to care for and maintain their tires properly.

National Tire Safety Week is the culmination of a six-city tire safety tour across the Southeastern U.S. in which RMA and its partners conducted tire safety checks for local drivers. The tire safety tour successfully stopped in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; Birmingham, Alabama; Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida; Raleigh, North Carolina and Columbia, South Carolina, gaining attendance from local motorists and attention from local media outlets.

RMA has secured partnerships with tire dealers throughout the country, including Big 10 Tires, Big O Tires, Discount Tire Co., Les Schwab, Merchant's Inc., NTB (National Tire and Battery), Tire Kingdom, Tire Association of North America, Sullivan Tires and Sears Automotive Centers. The companies are taking part in the national consumer awareness program by distributing RMA's educational brochure on proper tire care and maintenance. To date, RMA has distributed two million tire safety brochures to its campaign partners.

National Tire Safety Week is an initiative of RMA's "Be Tire Smart - Play Your PART" program. RMA members include Bridgestone/Firestone Americas Holding, Inc., Continental Tire North America, Inc., Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Michelin North America, Pirelli North America, Inc. and Yokohama Tire Corporation.

Founded in 1915, the Rubber Manufacturers Association is the national trade association of the rubber industry. Its membership includes more than 100 member companies that manufacture tires and other rubber products. All RMA press releases are available at http://www.rma.org .