IMPROPER TIRE PRESSURE POSES A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN

New Survey of Drivers Show Most Don't Properly Check Tire Pressure

NEW YORK, April 21 -- It is imperative to keep up tire maintenance because it can reduce highway crashes, save gasoline and even keep tires rolling longer. Properly inflated tires can improve vehicle fuel economy by 3.3 percent or about $0.10 a gallon at current prices. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, under inflated tires contribute to crashes, which result in 660 fatalities and 33,000 injuries each year. This year, National Tire Safety Week is April 20th to 26th. The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) sponsors Tire Safety Week every year to raise consumer awareness about tire safety. The initiative is part of RMA's "Be Tire Smart - Play Your PART" program to promote proper tire care, which leads to a safer driving experience. PART stands for Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread, four basic elements of tire care.

A 2008 tire industry survey commissioned by the Rubber Manufacturers Association found that only 15 percent of drivers properly check their tire inflation pressure. The survey also found 46 percent of drivers believe the correct inflation pressure is printed on the tire sidewall when in fact it's not.

For additional survey results and tire safety information, please visit: BE TIRE SMART