Georgia-Based Nonprofit Continues Tire Safety Initiatives for National Teen Driver Safety Week Oct. 20-26
The Road Ready Foundation is dedicated to educating all drivers—especially teenagers—about the importance of tire maintenance as they hit the road. While many campaigns have been conducted over the years to encourage wearing a seat belt, not driving under the influence, and not texting while driving, the same emphasis has not been applied as frequently to tire safety.
To commemorate National Teen Driver Safety Week, the Road Ready Foundation will have a booth at the Just Drive teen driver safety event on Saturday, Oct. 26. This event, hosted by AAA at the Fulton County Innovation Academy, connects vendors with young drivers to promote important vehicle safety considerations. In addition to a physical presence, the Road Ready Foundation will share tips about tire safety and give away an Airmoto smart tire pump to a social media follower every day between Oct. 20 and 26.
“The Airmoto pump is compact, cordless, and easy to use. It’s a solid choice for young drivers who are learning to take responsibility for the condition of the vehicles they are driving,” says Alex Bebiak, founder of the Road Ready Foundation. “Making tire pumps accessible makes it easier for drivers of all ages to implement safe driving practices and do their part to reduce the number of life-threatening or fatal accidents on the road.”
The Road Ready Foundation uses the three “I’s” as a guide to ensuring that tires are safe for travel:
Inspect the Tread
- Use the “penny test” by inserting a penny into the tire’s tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, the tread is too worn, and the tire needs replacing. The tread depth must be at least 2/32 of an inch to maintain grip and control on the road. The Road Ready Foundation’s Change for Change program collects pennies from elementary school students to purchase tires for teens in need.
Inflate/Check Tire Pressure
- Use a tire pressure gauge to check that tires are inflated to the recommended level (usually found in your vehicle’s manual or inside the driver’s door). Proper inflation improves fuel efficiency and ensures better handling, while underinflated or overinflated tires increase the risk of a blowout.
Identify Damage or Wear
- Inspect the sidewalls and surface of the tires for any signs of damage, such as cuts, cracks, bulges or punctures. Uneven wear patterns may indicate alignment or suspension issues that must be addressed.
By completing the three I’s on the third day of each month, drivers can reduce their risk of tire-related accidents, which cause 35% of vehicle fault accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
About Road Ready Foundation
On Feb. 10, 2023, the Bebiak family and community experienced an unimaginable loss after a tragic car accident. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Bebiak was a passenger in the car and wearing a seatbelt. Although the driver was traveling under the speed limit, given the inclement weather that day, the vehicle hydroplaned and collided with an 18-wheeler. The police report indicated that the cause of the hydroplaning and overall accident was due to extremely worn tires with insufficient tread. In response to this tragedy, Jackson’s father Alex Bebiak created the Road Ready Foundation to educate the community on the importance of tire safety. Through education and tire-specific programs and initiatives, the goal is for more drivers to make informed tire care and maintenance decisions. For more information, visit roadreadyfoundation.org and follow Road Ready Foundation on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, or Facebook.
