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Rubber Manufacturers Association Calls for Expedited Rules

13 October 2000

Rubber Manufacturers Association Calls for Expedited Rules for World-Class Tire Safety Standard, Early Reporting of Safety Data

    WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 The Rubber Manufacturers Association,
the leading trade association for the finished rubber products industry, said
today it is committed to working with the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration to put into place as quickly as possible a new world-class tire
safety standard and an early reporting system for safety-related data.
    "RMA has been working with NHTSA to accelerate regulations that give all
consumers a world-class testing standard for tires," said RMA President & CEO
Donald B. Shea.  "The industry is committed to working with NHTSA to get a
rule in place as quickly as possible and doing everything we can to promote
further safety.
    "RMA worked closely with Congress and is pleased a solid piece of
legislation was adopted," Shea continued.  "We are unequivocal in our support
of those features in the bill that will promote safety.
    "The legislation, which we expect will be signed into law soon, now gives
us the ability to work with NHTSA to develop a rule for an early reporting
system of safety-related data.  RMA will work with NHTSA to move this
regulatory process forward so that any and all safety-related data are given
to consumers at the earliest time possible."