AAA and Tire Industry Demonstrate How Improper Tire Care Can Affect Motorist's Safety

--Falling temperatures, wet or snowy weather conditions all affect how your vehicle grips the road. If tires are under inflated or bald, you may not be as connected to the road as you think.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show that about one in every three cars has a significantly under inflated tire and that 660 fatalities and 33,000 injuries occur every year as a result of low tire pressure-related crashes. Not surprisingly, a September 2006 survey by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association found that 85 percent of drivers do not know how to properly check their tire pressure.

“The evidence is clear,” says John Nielsen, director of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair and Car Buying Assistance Program. “Despite the risk posed by poorly maintained tires, too many motorists are neglecting tire care. Taking five minutes each month to check and adjust tire pressure can enhance safety; improve fuel economy and help tires last longer.”

To promote safe driving, help consumers save money and reduce the number of roadside breakdowns, AAA will demonstrate the dangers involved with driving on worn tires in this video package. AAA will also educate motorists on the importance of routine tire care and other tire-related maintenance prior to the arrival of winter.