The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) kicked off its annual tire safety awareness campaign, National Tire Safety Week, last week, which ran from June 27– July 3. This initiative was intended to educate consumers, motorists and fleets about tire care, safety and maintenance.
U.S. tire manufacturers recommend drivers check tire pressure at least monthly, regularly check tire tread depth and ensure vehicle 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 and can help ensure lower overall environmental impacts, the USTMA says.
To help motorists remember these important tire maintenance actions, 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 American Automobile Association (AAA) has reported that drivers are more comfortable traveling now than any other time since the pandemic began, with increased fuel prices having minimal impact on vacation and road trip plans. A 2021 survey co-led by USTMA showed that 70% of drivers across the U.S. reported not checking their tire pressure in the 30 days prior, despite professional recommendations to do so at least once a month. USTMA is committed to helping consumers understand important facts about tire care and maintenance, especially as the travel season peaks as expected.
This year, the chairs of the Congressional Tire Caucus, Reps. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) and Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), introduced a resolution honoring National Tire Safety Week. The bipartisan bill was co-sponsored by Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) and Tim Ryan (D-Ohio).
