The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is researching the benefits of establishing a new standard for tire tread depth. 

Currently, the federal government requires that a “wear bar” is built into a tire by the manufacture. This is done at the depth of 2/32 inches. Minimum tread standards are regulated by state and 37 states have minimum tread standards of 2/32 inches. 

The NHTSA is looking into changing the minimum standard to 4/32 inches. This is supposed to increase breaking distance on wet surfaces and may help prevent injuries and fatalities in car wrecks. If a new minimum standard is established, tires will be taken out of circulation once the tread reaches 4/32 inches instead of 2/32 inches.  

The COO of Michelin Americas Research Co., Dave Stafford, has stated that Michelin does not support a new NHTSA standard because of the influx of tires that would be needed in order to maintain the standard. In the

As we all know the price of gas is skyrocketing with no end in sight. By following these few simple tips you can get more mileage for your buck. Maintain the proper air pressure in your tires. Make sure you car is running correctly by having regular service checks and tune ups. Use cruise control whenever possible. Avoid excessive accelerations. Don’t idle in those long lines, cut off the engine. Good luck and good driving to everyone.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) will be releasing a study that documents the need for stricter standards regarding roofs.

The study conducted by IIHS has determined that vehicle roof strength has a direct correlation to the survival rate of occupants. The study was conducted on 11 SUV’s and it states that the vehicles with stronger roofs have injury risks that are up to 57% lower than vehicles with weaker roofs.

Statistics from IIHS show that about 35% of car wreck fatalities occur during rollovers and at least 60% of those fatalities involve SUV’s.

Drawing from these statistics, Consumer Affairs has stated that if SUV’s were held to stronger standards, more than 200 rollover related fatalities could have been prevented in 2006.

Qualified and experienced SUV rollover attorneys are working on cases involving the serious injury and fatality of occupants.