NHTSA Releases Studies on Impaired Driving on U.S. Roads
NHTSA recently released two new studies that show that while the nation’s decades-long campaign to combat drunk driving continues to make roads safer, the use of marijuana and prescription drugs is increasingly prominent on, creating new safety questions for the nation’s highway system. The latest version of NHTSA’s Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use
Record-breaking Number of Recalls in 2014
Sixty-four million vehicles in the U.S. were recalled last year, a figure that amounted to more than double the previous record set in 2004, according to the NHTSA. In total, the NHTSA reported 803 automotive recalls in 2014, covering 63.9 million vehicles. In 2004, 30.8 million vehicles were recalled. “These figures demonstrate the need for
NTSB Uses Deflate-Gate to Push Tire Safety
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) wants consumers to know that deflate-gate is not just an issue for the NFL. In a recent blog post, the agency compared the over information surrounding the coverage of underinflated footballs to the lack of knowledge concerning tire inflation. “Every football junkie now knows (and neither knew nor cared
NHTSA Conducting Further TPMS Surveys
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,
NHTSA Grants Petition for Inconsequential Noncompliance to CMA, Double Coin
China Manufacturers Alliance and Double Coin Holdings have been granted its petition for inconsequential noncompliance by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration on Dec. 30, 2014. In August 2014, CMA notified the NHTSA of non-compliant sidewall markings on certain Double Coin branded tires. “In consideration of the foregoing, NHTSA has decided that CMA and
How Cuba, North Korea and Rosekind Can Impact on the Tire World
Never thought I’d see the day that I could travel to Cuba, or that North Korea – a country that can’t even keep the lights on at night – would actually cause knees to buckle. Welcome to a whole new world. So what does Cuba and North Korea have to do with tires and the
Exploring and Explaining the Pieces of a Truly Weird Tire Day
The day after what was truly the most bizarre day for the American tire industry that I can recall, things got even weirder. Oh, before I forget, Welcome to National Tire Safety Awareness Month!!!!! Your White House thanks you for your cooperation. Anyway, by now you have read that the National Transportation Safety Board held
94,890 Capitol Brand Tires Recalled
ITG Voma Corp., manufacturer of Capitol brand tires, is recalling certain Capitol Precision Trac II tires because they may experience tread separation. The 94,890 potentially affected tires are sizes 245/70R17, 235/70R16, 235/75R15, 245/70R16, 245/75R16, 255/70R16, and 265/75R16 and were produced between Dec. 2008 and May 2010. According to the NHTSA, ITG Voma will notify the
NHTSA Investigates Michelin Truck Tire Failures
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating reports that some Michelin truck tires can fail and cause crashes. NHTSA has six complaints and a police report about crashes involving 2014 Michelin XZA 295/60/R22.5 tires. According to NHTSA documents, “the tire may fail catastrophically when used on the steer axle.” “Michelin is aware of a
Wild Country Radial Recall
TBC Corp. is recalling certain Wild Country Radial XTX Sport tires, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Wild Country Redial XTX Sports tires,size 265/65R18, manufactured by Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. between June 1 and June 28 2014 may be affected. Faulty tires may experience cracking or broken ply cords in the lower
CMA Notified NHTSA of Non-Compliant Sidewall Markings
Last month, the China Manufacturers Alliance notified the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration of non-compliant sidewall markings on certain Double Coin branded tires, the tiremaker said. The tiremaker is petitioning NHTSA for exemption from the recall requirements because the non-compliance does not relate to motor vehicle safety. “The important factor is that the tires
NHTSA Recalls More Than 1,000 Cooper Tires
The NHTSA has recalled 1,492 Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. Wild Country Radial XTX Sport 265/65R18 tires. The affected tires, manufactured June 1 to June 28, may experience cracking and broken ply cords in the lower sidewall on the intended outboard side above the rim. If the tire experiences cracking or broken ply cords, this
