In the wake of the massive Firestone recall. US Transportation Secretary Rodney
E. Slater announced (30/11/00) the first ‘rulemaking action’ to implement requirements
of the recently enacted Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and
Documentation (TREAD) Act.
The US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) is asking the public for comments on ways to provide consumers with
information that will help them use their tyres more safely.
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The agency is seeking responses from the public to a broad array of questions
on such matters as the Tyre Identification Number (TIN) content, readability
and location of the TIN, load rating, speed rating, tyre inflation pressure
labeling, tread wear indicators, and the Uniform Tyre Quality Grading information.
"We are moving quickly to put better information programs into place in
the crucial area of tyre safety," said Dr. Sue Bailey, NHTSA administrator.
"We want to be sure that we present tyre information to consumers in the
clearest and most understandable way."
The TREAD Act requires that the Secretary of Transportation initiate rulemaking
to improve the labeling of tyres and thus help consumers identify tyres that
may be the subject of a safety recall. The Act also provides that the Secretary
may take whatever additional action is appropriate to ensure that the public
is aware of the importance of observing motor vehicle tyre load limits and maintaining
proper tyre inflation.
An Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Dec. 1 Federal Register will
seek public comments on tyre labeling and safety information.
