Thousands of people in West Tennessee are riding on tires that have been the focus of a federal safety probe since May and that may have caused over fifty deaths.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating Firestone ATX, ATX II and Wilderness tires. It has received reports of multiple deaths and over 270 crashes involving these tires. Included in the complaints are reports of blowouts and instances where the tread ripped and then wrapped around the axle causing a loss of vehicular control.
Investigation files include reports of tread failure at speeds as slow as 20 miles an hour, though 55 to 75 mph is typical. Research also indicates that most tread separations occur in states with warm climates.
Commonly found on pick-up trucks and sports utility vehicles, there are at least 12 million of these tires on the road.
More specifically, these tires were designed for and fitted on millions of Ford vehicles including the Explorer, Ranger and F-150. The tires have also been original equipment on General Motors, Toyota, Nissan and Subaru vehicles. However, Ford Explorers have accounted for about three-quarters of the NHTSA complaints. As a result, the Ford Motor Company is also included in the investigation. More than 100 lawsuits have been filed against the tire manufacturer as a result of the accidents. Suits have been filed as far back as 1996. One such suit resulted from the death of Matthew Hendricks, a 17-year old who died in 1998 when his tread came off his tire on the Ford Explorer he was driving causing him to lose control and the vehicle to roll over several times.
According to the USA Today, Harry Baumgartner, a former Firestone supervisor, has testified that he believes the problem involves both the design of the tires and the handling characteristics of the Ford Explorer and similar SUVs. He states that the tires lack nylon caps between "their steel belts and the rubber." Without this cap which would cost Firestone only $1.00 each, the repeated flexing of the tires allows the sharp edges of the metal belt to create a separation of the tread. The driver would not notice this separation until it is too late. The separation makes the vehicle almost impossible to control especially in top-heavy sports utility vehicles like the Ford Explorer.
Several tire retailers, including Sears who is the nation's largest tire retailer, are suspending sales of the questionable tires until the investigation is complete and have established replacement policies. As a result of the investigation, Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. recently announced a safety recall of the tires. The recall will be conducted in three phases with the first replacements offered in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas, followed by a second phase in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Tennessee. A national recall will follow. You can reach the company at 1-800-465-1904 for more information.
If your vehicle has Firestone ATX, ATX II and Wilderness tires, have your tires replaced immediately. Furthermore, if you feel you or someone you know has been involved in an accident that may be related to tire tread separations, contact us. We will be glad to investigate and determine if you have a case. We have the experience needed to protect you from faulty products.