While the USTMA itself is not planning a media event or similar initiative to draw attention to the safety message, a number of its member companies — along with AAA Inc. and other transportation-oriented groups — are planning events.
AAA is projecting that a record 43.2 million individuals will be traveling U.S. roadways over the extended July 4th holiday weekend, up 2.4% over 2022 and 4% over 2019, in part thanks to lower gasoline prices.
Among those participating in the information campaign are:
Anyline Inc., a developer of mobile data-capture technology, is sharing research which shows that 47% of Americans knowingly drive on bald or severely worn-out tires and 46% have experienced a tire blowout while driving. Anyline CEO Lukas Kinigadner pointed out that NHTSA data show those driving on worn-out tires are three times more likely to be involved in a crash than tires with sufficient tread depth.
Giti Tire USA Inc., which offered seven tips for drivers, one for each day of Tire Safety Week:
- Check inflation pressure, using the manufacturer's recommend air pressure listed on the sticker on the vehicle door jamb or owner's manual, at least once a month and especially before a long trip.
- Do a visual inspection.
- Check tread depth.
- Avoid overloading.
- Slow down in wet weather.
- Rotate tires and check vehicle alignment regularly;
- Choose tires carefully.
Discount Tire/America's Tire is offering complimentary tire safety and tire air pressure checks through July 3. "A top priority for Discount Tire is the safety of our customers. National Tire Safety Week brings light to all the ways drivers can stay safe on the roads during the summer season and year-round," said Tom Williams, chief experience officer at Discount Tire.
Pirelli Tire North America Inc. issued a series of safety tips for motorists that echo those published by Giti Tire but also including the precaution that temperature can affect tire pressure.
"How we treat our tires is reflected in the ability to drive safely and have fun on the road," Ian Coke, chief technical officer, Pirelli North America, said "All it takes is a handful of routine vehicle checkups, similar to filling your tank or getting an oil change, to ensure that your tires are well equipped to get you where you're going."
Modern tires are complex, highly engineered products that maximize safety, performance, handling and durability created with modern technology that mixes chemistry, physics and engineering, the USTMA said.
Many tires are custom designed to meet the stresses and performance needs of specific vehicle makers. New and advanced technologies, such as sensors that provide real-time tire monitoring data and the production of fuel-efficient tires that improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, benefit both consumers' wallets and the environment, the association added.
"Proper maintenance and periodic inspections by a tire professional are essential for optimum performance and service life of tires and can help ensure lower overall environmental impacts," USTMA said.
Tire safety essentials are especially important this year as drivers are back in their cars embarking on summer road trips, USTMA said.
To help dealers and consumers understand the scope and importance of tire safety, the USTMA compiled a series of tips and recommendations into a "toolkit" available at ustires.org/ntswtoolkit.
The USTMA — operating under its previous Rubber Manufacturers Association iteration — organized the first National Tire Safety Week in 2002.
National Tire Safety Week is an industry-led initiative and is supported by USTMA members: Bridgestone Americas, Inc.; Continental Tire the Americas L.L.C.; Giti Tire (USA) Ltd.; Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.; Hankook Tire America Corp; Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc.; Michelin North America Inc.; Nokian Tyres Inc.; Pirelli Tire North America Inc.; Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.; Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc., and Yokohama Tire Corp.
In addition, the Tire Industry Association has teamed up with a coalition of makers of tire-pressure-monitoring system (TPMS) components for an "Update your TPMS Tools" campaign, which urges tire retail and auto repair shop owners to review their shop equipment to ensure theyhave the latest-generation scanning tools.
The latest generation of TPMS sensors require the latest generation of TPMS tool software, the coalition cautons. Without it, one can't successfully perform TPMS service successfully.
The coalition members are: Continental A.G.; Schrader TPMS Solutions; Bartec USA; and ATEQ TPMS Tools L.C.
