WASHINGTON — The Congressional Tire Caucus and National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) have issued declarations of support for National Tire Safety Week, which runs June 27-July 3.
In its resolution, H.Res 1178, the members of Congressional Tire Caucus expressed "strong support" for the goals and ideals of National Tire Safety Week and efforts to reduce tire-related accidents, fatalities and injuries.
The bipartisan resolution also encourages the people of the U.S. to educate themselves and others on the importance of regularly inspecting and maintaining a vehicle's tires.
Congressional Tire Caucus co-chairs Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., and Richard Hudson, R-N.C., were joined by Reps. Don Bacon, R-Neb, Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, as co-sponsors.
In its resolution, the NLGA said it is "reaffirming its commitment to helping promote vehicle tire safety as a core public-welfare priority."
This is the third straight year the NLGA has voiced its support of National Tire Safety Week, which is organized annually by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and its predecessor organization, the Rubber Manufacturers Association.
Noting that U.S. motorists traveled more than 3.2 trillion miles on tires in the past year, the NLGA is emphasizing the importance of checking tire pressure monthly and ensuring that vehicle tires are rotated and properly aligned.
The resolution also highlights the necessity of assessing tire tread depth, given that excessively worn tires are more susceptible to punctures and hydroplaning in wet conditions.
Resolution sponsors include Lt. Govs. Pamela Evette, R - S.C., Garlin Gilchrist, D – Mich., Adam Gregg, R – Iowa, Bethany Hall-Long, D – Del.; Jon Husted, R – Ohio, Randy McNally, R – Tenn., Kevin Meyer, R – Alaska, Billy Nungesser, R – La.; and Josh Tenorio, D – Guam.
USTMA President and CEO Anne Forristall Luke thanked both entities for their support.
"Tires are the only part of a vehicle that touches the road and are subject to intense wear. Given how essential safe transportation is to our livelihoods, routine attention to tire integrity is a critical safety necessity," she said.
To help motorists remember the tire maintenance actions, the USTMA encourages drivers to remember the acronym P.A.R.T.: Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread.
Tire safety essentials are especially important this year as significant numbers of motorists are back in their cars embarking on summer road trips, the USTMA said.