29 Deaths Added To Firestone List

WASHINGTON--The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that 29 more deaths have been allegedly attributed to suspect Firestone tires. That figure includes four fatals in crashes that occured after the August recall was announced.

Safety groups have been calling for an expanded recall, saying that other Firestone tires also are defective, and HHTSA reports now that at least five of the recent fatalities involve some of the 24 other tire models that were included in a Sept. 1 “consumer advisory” issued by NHTSA. Firestone has resisted efforts to add these tires to the recall.

However, Firestone will replace the consumer advisory-listed tires for free if customers ask.

The total number of deaths now under investigation by NHTSA is at 148--up from the 119 figure NHTSA reported in October.

NHTSA said there have been more than 4,300 complaints filed over the tires, allegedly resulting in more than 525 injuries. Some injuries, though, may have been reported twice, thus NHTSA says that number may not be completely accurate.

In addition to the U.S. deaths being investigated by NHTSA--which hopes to include its investigation in three months--the tires have been linked to 46 fatals in Venezuela and at least seven in the Middle East.

12/6/00