FINDLAY, Ohio — Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. launched a new Tread Wisely mobile app, designed to promote tire and vehicle safety among teens and young adults.
The free app, created in partnership with the National Organization for Youth Safety, puts safety information, how-to videos and other features in the hands of drivers.
The app, available for download from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android), includes features such as:
• An "I Got There" feature that allows users to set a reminder to contact parents or friends after arriving at their destination. It can send a pre-written text to any number to let loved ones know young drivers made it safely;
• A series of how-to videos featuring race car driver Arie Luyendyk, Jr., on topics including how to change a flat tire, what to do if involved in an accident, and what to do if pulled over by law enforcement;
• Reminder to complete monthly safety checks including proper tire inflation pressure, tread depth and overall tire condition; and
• Rewards for performing regular checks and learning about vehicle safety. Users can earn points by completing various tasks within the app and can attain increasing ranks for the chance to win prizes such as gift cards that can be redeemed for gasoline, food or other items.
"Tires are often overlooked, especially by young drivers, but are extremely important to road safety. That is why we have created this new mobile app," a Cooper Tire spokeswoman said in a statement.
The Tread Wisely app is part of a larger tire and vehicle safety program for young drivers developed in 2016 when Cooper adopted this as a signature philanthropy cause and partnered with NOYS.