Michelin to Host Upstate Events to Mark 'Tire Safety Day'

COLUMBIA, S.C., May 2 -- By resolution of the State of South Carolina, Gov. Jim Hodges will designate tomorrow, May 3, 2002 as the state's first "Tire Safety Awareness Day." "Automobile accidents are the number one cause of death in South Carolina for people under 44 years of age," said Gov. Hodges. "This resolution is aimed at getting South Carolinians to understand their responsibility for the maintenance of their tires, and in turn, possibly prevent a dangerous situation."

The governor is urging Palmetto State citizens to inspect their tires and check the air pressure, especially before the busy vacation season begins.

To help drive home the critical nature of the governor's request, Michelin North America, Inc., headquartered in Greenville, S.C., will host two events to demonstrate the importance of proper air pressure and tire care to vehicle performance and safety.

"We want to thank the governor for the resolution and for adding his voice to this important public safety issue," said Jim Micali, President and Chairman of Michelin North America. "Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touch the road. All the braking, acceleration and handling characteristics of your vehicle are transmitted to the road through tires," Micali added.

To illustrate this, Michelin will host a special demonstration for state dignitaries and law enforcement officials tomorrow at its Proving Grounds in Laurens, S.C. and a public event Friday afternoon at Greenville's Haywood Mall.

"We've set up some demonstrations that clearly show the performance differences between properly inflated tires and under inflated tires with respect to vehicle braking and handling," said Michelin public relations director, Nan Banks, "and we'll even run through a demonstration of what to do if you do experience a blow out. By holding the wheel steady, keeping your foot briefly on the accelerator and off the brake, you can easily stay in control of the vehicle," Banks adds.

On Friday afternoon, Michelin engineers will be on hand at the Haywood Mall in Greenville, inspecting tires in the parking lot and leaving the notes of their inspection results on the motorist's windshields. For those who may have an under inflated tire, the note will ask them to come to the food court entrance to have the air pressure checked and properly set for free.

Michelin's participation in Tire Safety Awareness Day comes at the end of a weeklong campaign by the Rubber Manufacturers Association. The RMA has sponsored events nationwide this week, reminding consumers to check air pressure and inspect their tires regularly.

Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America, Inc. (www.michelin.com) employs 26,500 and operates 23 plants in 19 locations.