National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is conducting further surveys to learn more about the effectiveness of TPMS regulations and programs.
In its notice, NHTSA stated that since the phase-in of TPMS there has been only one evaluation of TPMS. This evaluation, conducted in 2011, showed that TPMS was 55.6% effect at preventing severe underinflation. However, effectiveness was substantially lower in vehicles that were 6–7 years old at the time of the survey.
NHTSA wishes to conduct a second survey to examine the reasons why the effectiveness of TPMSs in older vehicles is reduced and what can be done to increase it.
“This robust investigation will address key questions concerning the operational status of TPMS systems, consumers’ attendant knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of TPMS systems, and the causes and costs of TPMS system malfunction,” stated NHTSA.
The administration is currently seeking comments on whether the proposed collection of information is necessary and will have practical utility, among other things.
According to the NHTSA, comments must be submitted to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affiars, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th St. NW, Washington, DC 20503 ATTN: NHTSA Desk Officer, on or before Feb. 12.
