Tire initiatives make NHTSA priority rulemaking list

WASHINGTON (July 23)—Research on tire aging, a final rule upgrading safety requirements for new heavy truck tires and a decision on whether to promulgate safety standards for truck retreads are among the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's list for safety rulemaking priorities and supporting research for 2003-2006, according to a document released on NHTSA's Web site. These rulemakings are among those "that offer the greatest potential for saving lives and preventing injury," the agency said in the introduction to the list, which also included improved roof crush, side impact and fuel system standards as well as an anti-rollover consumer information program. The Rubber Manufacturers Association said it had not yet seen the list, while the Tire Industry Association could not be reached for comment.