In recognition of the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s National Tire Safety Week, May 29 – June 4, 2016, Bridgestone Americas is helping drivers prepare their tires for the busy summer driving season. The company’s consumer, commercial and retail businesses are providing ongoing education and services to engage summer travellers, commercial truckers and daily drivers around the importance of proper tire care and maintenance.
“At Bridgestone Americas, we’re committed to being a good corporate citizen, and raising awareness for the importance of tire safety is one key way we can help improve the lives of those we serve with our products,” said Gordon Knapp, chief operating officer, Bridgestone Americas. “This is an ongoing educational effort that our teammates continually support, not only during National Tire Safety Week or the busy summer travel season, but each and every day.”
According to a recent consumer survey commissioned by Bridgestone, tires often are overlooked by Americans as a safety feature, despite the fact that they are the only part of a vehicle touching the road. The April 2016 survey, conducted online among 2,109 U.S. adults by Harris Poll, found that only 41 percent of Americans rank tires as one of the three most important safety features of a vehicle.
Bridgestone urges commercial truck drivers and fleet customers to take this opportunity to educate themselves on proper tire use and care. Introductions of higher state highway speed limits, as well as the trend of commercial trucks running longer, faster and with increased loads, make proper tire care imperative.
To promote tire safety, Bridgestone urges commercial truck drivers and fleet owners to:
– Set and maintain proper cold inflation pressures. Cold inflation pressure is the inflation pressure of tires before they are driven.
– Abide by the tire’s maximum recommended speed, which may be lower than posted speed limits.
– Select the right tire for the job, considering the proper tire size, load-carrying capacity, speed capability and service type.
– Inspect tires frequently for damage such as cuts, cracks, bulges and penetrations.
Commercial drivers are encouraged to visit one of the company’s commercial retail store locations to receive a free tire assessment. Bridgestone owns and operates two commercial retail store networks: GCR Tires & Service, which has more than 200 locations across the U.S. and Canada; and Speedco, which includes 51 U.S. retail locations nationwide.
For more information about National Tire Safety Week and tire care tips, visit www.tiresafety.com.
