WASHINGTON (Aug. 21, 2003) — Two-thirds of U.S. drivers think having tire pressure monitoring systems in their cars means they won't have to check their tires as often, according to a poll commissioned by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).
More than half the 700 drivers polled also thought a dashboard warning light about underinflated tires won't signify immediate danger. The RMA used the poll results to demonstrate the need for a minimum reserve pressure standard for tires to combat underinflations of 25 to 30 percent permitted by tire monitoring systems.
The association also noted a National Transportation Safety Board document that urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to adopt more stringent detection thresholds for tire monitoring devices.