National Tire Safety Week Kicks Off At National Press Club; RMA, NHTSA, AAA Share Concerns About Tire Care, Safety

4/29/2002

From: Dan Zielinski of the Rubber Manufacturers Association, 202-682-4846 or Taryn Houghton of Dittus Communications, 202-715-1517

News Advisory:

What: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over 1/4 of passenger cars and 1/3 of light trucks -- totaling nearly 60 million vehicles -- have at least one significantly underinflated tire. Research recently conducted by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) found that many drivers lack basic, yet important tire care and safety knowledge. In response to these alarming facts, the RMA is launching the first National Tire Safety Week from April 29 - May 3 to educate and encourage drivers on how to properly care for their tires.

RMA will kick off National Tire Safety Week at the National Press Club on Monday, April 29 by releasing its 2002 survey data on America's drivers and their lack of tire safety knowledge. Representatives from AAA and NHTSA will discuss their efforts to promote tire safety.

When: Monday, April 29 at 10 a.m.

Where: The National Press Club Zenger Room 529 14th St. N.W., 13th Floor Washington, D.C. 20045

Interview Opportunities: -- Donald B. Shea, president and CEO, Rubber Manufacturers Association

-- Annette Sandberg, deputy administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

-- John Nielsen, director, AAA Approved Auto Repair Network

About RMA Founded in 1915, the Rubber Manufacturers Association is the national trade association of the rubber industry. Its membership includes more than 100 member companies that manufacture tires and other rubber products. All RMA press releases are available at www.rma.org.