WASHINGTON—A nationwide tire safety campaign is being delayed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association expects to reschedule its 2020 National Tire Safety Week soon.
The initiative originally was scheduled for May 18-24, but those involved in its promotion and organization are busy dealing with the fallout from the coronavirus.
"As we cope as a nation with the COVID-19 health emergency and economic crisis, USTMA felt it was in the best interest of our members and industry partners to reschedule so they can continue to focus on the safety and well-being of their employees, business operations and the communities in which they operate," Anne Forristall Luke, CEO of USTMA, said in a statement.
"In the interim, USTMA will focus its efforts on educating the public, especially those who may not be driving frequently, on how to ensure proper maintenance and care for their tires, so that when they do need their vehicles, they can do so confidently and safely," she said.
National Tire Safety Week is designed to help U.S. consumers learn more about proper tire care and maintenance. Built around the them "Know Your Roll," tire safety week also shines a spotlight on the innovations of tire manufacturers, who have invested "billions of dollars and countless hours engineering safe, sustainable tires," USTMA said in a March news release detailing the plans for this year's campaign.
Among those developments allowing tire makers to make safer products are run-flat technologies and compounds that provide better grip, fuel efficiency and longer wear.
This year, USTMA also had planned to focus on unsafe used tires. USTMA and its members had hoped to share more information about used tires safety and the importance of finding a qualified tire service professional to help ensure the road safety of the tire and the vehicle.