WASHINGTON — The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has set May 18-24 as the dates for the 2020 National Tire Safety Week, which seeks to educate motorists about tire care, safety and maintenance, including the potential dangers of unsafe used tires.
"As we embark on this new decade of tire safety, tire manufacturers are working hard to continue creating the smartest and most sustainable technologies that put the safest tires on the road," USTMA President and CEO Anne Forristall Luke said.
"National Tire Safety Week continues to educate drivers on the critical role they play in maintaining tire safety and ensures they have all they need to successfully prioritize safety on and off the road," Ms. Luke said.
The USTMA didn't release at this time a schedule of events, but said:
“National Tire Safety Week 2020 will build on USTMA’s past success of reaching consumers through our member company initiatives which are designed to educate drivers, especially teen drivers and young adults, to check the condition of their tires.
"This year, USTMA will support our members’ efforts through a nationwide survey of drivers ages 18 and up, engagement with the Congressional Tire Caucus, and leveraging our industry and state partners who champion safety for American motorists.”
U.S. tire manufacturers recommend drivers check their tire pressure monthly, regularly check their tire tread depth and ensure their tires are rotated and properly aligned.
Proper maintenance and periodic inspections by a tire professional are essential for optimum performance and service life of tires, the USTMA said.
The D.C.-based group also is taking aim at unsafe used tires. While new tires must meet stringent federal safety standards to be sold in the U.S., worn tires can be resold as used with virtually no restrictions in most states, the USTMA said.
The group recommends that a qualified tire service professional inspect a used tire for damage before it is installed on another vehicle to ensure its roadworthiness.
The USTMA adopted #Know Your Roll in 2018 as the theme of the annual event.