In 2003 New Cars Must Have Tire Sensors
August 2, 2001
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will require all vehicles made after November 2003 to come equipped with a tire pressure warning system that alerts drivers of dangerous pressure decreases. Currently, some automakers offer the systems as standard or optional equipment.
The new regulation is a direct result of the investigation into Firestone tire failures that caused hundreds of deaths and injuries. Many of the tires in these accidents were under inflated, increasing the risk of tread separation, especially in hot weather.
The systems will cost between $30 and $66. NHTSA estimates that the devices will prevent 80 deaths and thousands of injuries each year.
According to NHTSA, most drivers do not check tire pressure often enough. A recent survey found that 71% of drivers check tire pressure less than once a month.
Two different systems have been proposed. The least expensive would work through the anti-lock braking system. The other alternative requires a sensor in each tire. If pressure falls below a minimum pressure in one or more of the tires, a yellow light would alert the driver.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
More ...
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- Judge Certifies Ford-Firestone Class Action
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