The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), representing tire manufacturers that produce tires in the U.S., launched National Tire Safety Week 2025, an annual public education campaign to raise awareness about the critical role of tire care in driver safety. This year’s campaign ran June 30 to July 4, with a spotlight on Ohio, one of the nation’s most heavily traveled road systems where diverse road conditions and extreme seasonal swings underscore the need for proactive tire care and maintenance. USTMA also released key findings from a recent survey of U.S. motorists that suggests while many drivers understand the basics of tire care and maintenance, knowledge gaps still exist.
“Ohio drivers often face a mix of conditions in a single day, from busy highways to rural roads to rapidly changing weather,” said Richard Gust, chief executive officer, Tire Industry Association. “Proactive tire care helps ensure those conditions don’t catch you off guard. During National Tire Safety Week, we’re reminding Ohioans that taking a few minutes to check your tires can make all the difference in keeping your family safe.”
Ohio ranks among the top states for vehicle miles traveled, with over 122 billion miles driven annually. The Ohio Turnpike alone reported more than 3.1 billion vehicle miles traveled in 2023, reflecting the state’s central role in regional and cross-country commerce and travel. With more vehicles on the road, paying attention to proper tire care is critical to keeping drivers, passengers, and communities safe on the road.
The USTMA survey of 2,000 U.S. drivers ages 16 and older provided the following insights about tire safety awareness:
- 40 percent of Ohio drivers correctly identified the vehicle manual or driver’s side door placard as the place to find proper tire pressure.
- 78 percent of Ohio drivers are aware that tires have built in tread wear indicators, which make it easier to determine if a tire has enough tread to be considered safe.
(It’s important to note, when the tops of these bars are flush with the tire’s tread, the tire needs to be replaced).
These findings suggest that Ohio drivers have a relatively high level of awareness about the importance of proper tire maintenance compared to the national average. However, many drivers in the state are still unclear about some of the most basic tire safety details. More than half of the Ohio drivers surveyed could not properly identify where to find the correct tire inflation pressure, which is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch).
Ohio’s seasonal climate variability adds to the challenge. Winters can bring temperatures well below freezing, while summer highs regularly climb into the upper 80s. These shifts can cause significant tire pressure fluctuations, which can lead to uneven wear and blowouts if left unaddressed. Additionally, Ohio’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles degrade pavement, increasing the risk of pothole-related tire damage and misalignment.
“Tires are the only part of a vehicle that touches the road, and their condition plays a critical role in keeping everyone safe, from drivers and passengers to pedestrians,” said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and chief executive officer.
Published August 2025
