Rep. Sykes Introduces National Tire Week Legislation with Congressional Tire Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC)
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congressional Tire Caucus Co-Chairs Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) and Richard Hudson (NC-09) introduced the National Tire Safety Week Resolution:
“Once known as the ‘Rubber Capital of the World,’ Ohio’s 13th Congressional District is the birthplace of the modern tire industry, so it brings me great pride to serve alongside my colleague Rep. Hudson as Congressional Tire Caucus Co-Chairs in the 118th Congress. In this role, we work together to emphasize the critical importance regular tire maintenance plays in safeguarding our roads for all Americans. Additionally, as we celebrate National Tire Safety Week, it is incumbent on us all to prioritize the importance of tire safety and improving traffic safety nationwide,” said Rep. Sykes. “The tire industry has left an indelible mark on Northeast Ohio, transforming our region into a thriving hub of innovation and economic growth. Through tire manufacturing, research, and development, good paying middle-class jobs have been created, providing livelihoods and opportunities throughout our communities. The impact of the tire industry extends far beyond the factory walls, as it fuels a network of suppliers, distributors, and service providers, stimulating local businesses and driving economic prosperity. Well-maintained tires not only enhance the performance of our vehicles, but also contribute to the well-being of all road users. Together, let us prioritize tire safety, making our nation’s roadways safer, one tire at a time.”
“With summer vacations and travel underway, this is a critical time to remember the importance of tire safety,” said Rep. Hudson. “By increasing awareness of frequent tire inspection, we can detect tires more susceptible to tire disablement and tire failure. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Tire Caucus, I once again look forward to advancing this bipartisan resolution recognizing National Tire Safety Week."
“Tires play an essential role in road and highway safety, and USTMA companies are continuously working to build even safer and more sustainable products. Every component of a tire's complex design is carefully crafted and serves a unique purpose to ensure tire safety,” said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO. “Each year during National Tire Safety Week, we remind drivers and fleet operators to check their tires and perform simple but important maintenance practices to protect themselves and the integrity of their tires. We are grateful to Congressional Tire Caucus co-chairs Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH) for introducing this resolution to remind all drivers to check their tires and perform simple and routine maintenance practices to protect themselves and others on the road.”
U.S. motorists traveled more than 3.2 trillion miles on tires in the past year and summer travel is rebounding, it is incredibly important for American motorists to ensure proper tire safety steps are taken before hitting the road.
This resolution will help amplify the importance of regular tire safety maintenance as a significant step towards improving traffic safety on our nation’s roadways and providing peace of mind for the driver of every vehicle on the road. The tire manufacturing industry suggests several steps to ensure tire safety, including checking tire pressure at least monthly, regularly checking tire tread depth, and ensuring their tires are rotated and properly aligned. These measures are essential for optimum performance and service life of tires.