Be Tire Smart California!

WASHINGTON, April 21 -- The following is being issued by Rubber Manufacturers Association:

  WHAT:     Millions of vehicles on the road have at least one tire that is
            significantly under inflated. AAA receives more than four
            million tire-related roadside assistance calls, and worse,
            nearly 700 fatalities and an additional 33,000 injuries occur on

            the road each year as a result of tire related accidents.

            With Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's written support, the
            Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) is kicking off its fifth
            annual National Tire Safety Week in Sacramento to educate
            California drivers about the importance of proper tire care and
            regular tire maintenance, which lead to a safer driving
            experience, better gas mileage and a longer life for tires.

  WHEN:     Monday, April 24, 2006
            10:30 a.m.

  WHO:      Mike Marando, Manager -- Public Affairs, California Office of
            Traffic Safety

            Steve Beeuwsaert, Assistant Chief, California Highway Patrol

            Jenny Mack, Manager -- Public Affairs, AAA of Northern
            California

            Dan Zielinski, VP -- Communications, Rubber Manufacturers
            Association

  WHERE:    Goodyear Automotive Service Center
            1121 I Street
            Sacramento
            (916) 448-9393

  DETAILS:  National Tire Safety Week is April 23 - 29, 2006.
            Activities will include:
         *  Helpful Tire Checks
            Thousands of tire retailers and other automotive repair outlets
            offer free tire pressure and tread depth checks and "how to's"
            for drivers.
         *  Tire Safety Tips
            Free information for drivers -- more than 14,000 outlets are
            distributing RMA's "Be Tire Smart" brochure.
         *  2006 Motorist Survey Data
            Survey shows 81% of motorists DO NOT properly check tire
            pressure.

For more information please visit http://www.betiresmart.org/ or http://www.safercar.gov/.