Retread Tire Safety Questioned in Tennessee

February 21, 2001 11:23 AM, EST

The safety of retreaded tires on heavy trucks is being questioned by state Sen. Douglas Henry, who wants the Tennessee Legislature to approve a joint resolution asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to explore this issue.

Douglas’ resolution also asks FMCSA to “explore the feasibility of prohibiting the use of recapped tires on commercial motor vehicles.”

According to the resolution, truck tire separations are becoming a “very noticeable hazard” on the state’s highways and their safety should be reviewed.

Chris Burruss, president of the Tennessee Trucking Association, said TTA is opposed to the resolution.

“I don’t know that [separation of tires on the highway] is an increasing problem,” Burruss said.

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