Broad Tire Safety Educational Program Announced
The White House outlined several actions the U.S. Department of Transportation is taking through 2017, including issuing a final rule that establishes a tire fuel efficiency consumer information program, partnering with NASCAR on a Drive for Safety initiative in next year's racing season, and working with tire manufactures, fuel distributors, and tire retailers to kick off a Tire Safety Awareness Month from Dec. 9, 2014, to Jan. 9, 2015.
Trying to make a dent in the approximately 11,000 tire-related vehicle crashes per year in the United States, the Obama administration on Dec. 9 announced several actions the U.S. Department of Transportation is taking through 2017 to better inform consumers about tire safety and encourage them to buy more fuel-efficient tires. DOT plans to issue a final rule that establishes a tire fuel efficiency consumer information program, partner with NASCAR on a Drive for Safety initiative in next year's racing season, and work with tire manufactures, fuel distributors, and tire retailers to launch a Tire Safety Awareness Month from Dec. 9, 2014, to Jan. 9, 2015.
Many of these crashes could be prevented through proper tire maintenance, which also improves vehicles' fuel efficiency, the announcement noted. It says this, along with the use of low-rolling-resistance tires, could save a driver up to $80 per year and avoid up to 560 pounds of annual carbon dioxide pollution.
DOT also has created a guide on how to "Be TireWise: Save Money at The Pump, Increase Efficiency, and Protect Your Safety" that is available here.