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Goodyear Honored for Safety Innovation by National Safety Council

27 October 1998

Goodyear Honored for Safety Innovation by National Safety Council

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26 -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
will receive the "Innovator of Safety" award from The Safety and Health Hall
of Fame International during induction ceremonies tonight at the National
Safety Council's annual Congress and Expo.
    The "Innovators of Safety" award represents the first year a company will
be honored by The Safety and Health Hall of Fame International for product
safety and recognizes Goodyear for making significant strides in safety since
its early innovations, said Jerry Scannell, president of the National Safety
Council.
    "This award recognizes outstanding innovations that have saved lives.
Goodyear's innovations have increased passenger and pedestrian safety,"
Scannell said.
    Jim Whiteley, vice president for government compliance and product
quality, said Goodyear is honored by the international organization's
recognition.
    "Goodyear has a history of safety innovations dating back to the 1908 all-
weather diamond tread tires," he said.  "Innovation in the name of safety for
passengers and pedestrians has been the driving force behind our century of
success in the tire industry."
    Two of Goodyear's most recent tire safety innovations were the Aquatred II
wet-traction tire and the run-flat tire.  The water-evacuating aquachannel in
Goodyear's Aquatred tire reduces skidding on wet roads and improves inclement
weather vehicle performance.  Run-flat tires eliminate the need for a spare
tire and the dangers of being stranded by a flat tire.
    Throughout its 100-year history Goodyear has introduced safety-related
products such as the Double Eagle and the Lifeguard Safety Spare, among many
others.  The Double Eagle, introduced in 1952, featured an all-nylon
construction that resulted in the strongest, lightest-weight, and coolest-
running tire cord in its time.  The Lifeguard Safety Spare, also developed in
the 1950s, was a tubeless tire with two air chambers allowing motorists to
continue driving safely up to 100 miles after a puncture.
    Westinghouse Air Brake Company and Otis Elevator Company also will be
recognized for major safety innovations in their industries during the
program.
    The Safety and Health Hall of Fame International was formed to provide a
legacy to acclaimed leaders and pioneers and their innovative contributions
and service to safety and health.  The National Safety Council is a not-for-
profit, international organization dedicated to reducing unintentional
injuries in the workplace, on the road, in homes and the community.  The
council serves more than 37,000 members.  Member organizations employ more
than 30 million people.