Vehicle tires pose problems for Delaware motorists

Thousands of drivers are left stranded year after year due to under-inflated tires.  In Delaware, approximately 12,114 motorists had to be rescued in 2011 by AAA Mid-Atlantic as a result of tire related problems.

As the number of tire woes climb this year, AAA points to National Tire Safety Week which encourages motorists to pay closer attention to their tires.

The awareness week kicked off on Monday, and is an initiative promoted by the Rubber Manufacturers Association.  According to a survey by RMA, about one in six vehicles have four properly inflated tires.  The survey also reveals that only 15 percent of drivers know exactly how to check tire pressure.

“Properly inflated tires are essential to keeping you and your family safe on the road,” said Jim Lardear, Director of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Under inflated tires not only wear out faster, but they also require more energy or gasoline from your tank to work properly, leading to more frequent trips to the gas pump. Taking five minutes every two weeks to check your tire pressure can not only save money, but it can also save your life.”

Experts say properly inflated tires are known to increase vehicle safety and fuel economy.  More than 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries are blamed each year on under inflated tires, according to the The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Also, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that under inflated tires wastes more than 1 billion gallons of gasoline annually.