WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 13, 2004) — The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) will host the fourth annual National Tire Safety Week, April 24-30.
The safety week is an initiative of the RMA's “Be Tire Smart—Play your PART” consumer education program, which is designed to teach drivers about steps they can take to keep their tires in good working condition. The Be Tire Smart campaign is funded by RMA's tire manufacturer members.
More than 9,000 retail tire stores distributed RMA brochures as part of this year's safety week—more than double the participation in 2003, the RMA said. Many retailers also incorporated National Tire Safety Week into their advertising and promotions and held events to check motorists' tire pressure for free.
The RMA held tire care events with retail partners in Phoenix; Austin, Texas; Baltimore; and Johnstown, Pa. More than 20 state and local governments also issued proclamations recognizing the safety week effort.
“Our tire dealer partners are the backbone of our program, and we are encouraged with the level of participation,” said Dan Zielinski, RMA vice president of communications. “We hope to continue and expand these very effective partnerships to reach more motorists with important tire care messages in the coming year.”
According to the RMA, 85 percent of drivers don't check their tire pressure properly. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 25 percent of passenger cars and nearly one-third of light trucks have at least one significantly underinflated tire.