A recent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation shows that the way tires are currently registered and recalled is ineffective and is putting drivers and their passengers at risk. The NTSB opened an investigation into the problem after four tire related accidents in Florida, Louisiana, Arizona and California killed 12 people and injured 42 others. According to the NTSB over 500 people are killed and 19,000 others are injured every year in tire-related accidents and they are asking the NHTSA to implement a mandatory registration system.

The investigation also emphasizes how important it is that consumers maintaining the tires on their vehicles. Because regular maintenance is crucial to tire safety, the NTSB also re-issued a two-page Safety Alert encouraging drivers to take steps to reduce the risk of getting in a tire-related accident. View the full document, “Drivers: Manage Tire Risks for a Safer Ride,” here.

As a result of the study, the NTSB made nine recommendations to improve the registration and recall processes, develop better guidance for consumers on issues related to tire aging and service life, and promote technological innovations that will reduce tire-related crashes. The NTSB also made recommendations to AAA, the Rubber Manufacturers Association and tire manufacturers. A summary of the report, including findings and safety recommendations, is available here.