COLUMBUS, OH, May 22, 2018 – The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), State Senator Frank LaRose, State Rep. Robert Sprague, and key supporters including AAA, today gathered during National Tire Safety Week to urge the Ohio House to pass S.B. 223, a bill to prevent the installation of unsafe used tires on motor vehicles. The Ohio Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill in December 2017.

S.B. 223 would clearly define the characteristics of unsafe used tires, and prohibit the installation of any such tires on a vehicle that would travel on public highways. Drivers and passengers alike depend on tire professionals to help choose and install safe, appropriate tires, and the bill would ensure that only safe tires are available for installation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that worn-out tires are three times more likely to be involved in a crash than tires with a sufficient tread depth. Federal crash statistics indicate that in 2016, more than 700 fatalities were attributed to tire-related causes.

Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO of USTMA: “All too often, unsafe, worn-out tires contribute to traffic injuries or even fatalities. This National Tire Safety Week, we are hopeful that Ohio will join states like Colorado and New Jersey, who have passed similar legislation to help keep motorists and passengers safe from the dangers of unsafe used tires.”

Sen. Frank LaRose (R-27): “Ensuring Ohioans’ safety is a top priority for me. This legislation will help prevent crashes and contribute to a safer driving experience for families all across the state of Ohio.”

Rep. Robert Sprague (R-83): “We know Ohio motorists are at significant risk when their tires are not in good working condition. Under current Ohio law, motorists driving on unsafe used tires are subject to penalties. This bill makes sure tire professionals only install tires safe for Ohio’s roads.”

Kimberly Schwind, Senior Manager, Public Affairs of AAA Ohio Auto Club: “Our name is synonymous with motorist safety. This legislation provides additional protection for every family traveling on Ohio’s roads. By prohibiting installation of unsafe used tires, SB 223 helps to reduce the risk of tire-related crashes. AAA is proud to support S.B. 223, and we hope the House will consider this legislation soon.” 

National Tire Safety Week is a USTMA-led initiative from May 21-28, 2018. This year’s theme is “Know Your Roll,” and will educate motorists about the importance of proper tire care and maintenance, including concerns with unsafe used tires.

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The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association is the national trade association for tire manufacturers that produce tires in the U.S. Our 12 member companies operate 57 tire-related manufacturing facilities in 18 states and generate over $27 billion in annual sales. We directly support more than a quarter million tire manufacturing U.S. jobs – totaling almost $20 billion in wages. In 2017, USTMA members accounted for 82 percent of the 316 million passenger, light truck and truck tire shipments in the U.S.